LETTERS OF WASHINGTON IRVING 
TO HENRY BREVOORT 




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LETTERS OF 

WASHINGTON IRVING 

TO 

HENRY BREVOORT 



EDITED, WITH AN INTRODUCTION. BY 

GEORGE S. HELLMAN 



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NEW YORK 

G. P. PUTNAM^S SONS 

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Copyright, 19 is 

BY 

G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS 



First published in 1915, in two volumes, in a Limited Edition 
of 255 sets. Now issued in a Library Edition, the two volumes 
in one. 

Autuaw, X918. 



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PUBLISHERS' NOTE 

G. P. Putnam's Sons present to the public 
with a sense of special gratification this 
series of letters written by Washington Irving 
to his friend Henry Brevoort. They believe 
that the volumes will be accepted as a con- 
tribution of exceptional value to American 
biography and American literature, and, in 
connection with the relations of close sym- 
pathy and of personal friendship that existed 
through a long series of years between Wash- 
ington Irving and the late G. P. Putnam, 
they are well pleased to have the opportunity 
of associating the imprint of the Putnam 
House with a new work that will recall to the 
present generation the name and character 
of this distinctive American author. 

The record of American literature presents 
no instance in which a great author and his 
publisher have proved more helpful one to the 



PUBLISHERS' NOTE 



other than were Irving and Putnam. Each in 
turn was able to render to the other at a time 
of need most valuable service. At a period 
late in his life, when Irving had received a 
discouraging report from his earlier publishers 
that his books were no longer attractive to 
the public and that there was no continued 
demand that justified the printing of new 
editions, Mr. Putnam put before the author 
a proposition for a complete and uniform edi- 
tion which should include, in addition to the 
new books that Irving had in train, these 
earlier volumes, such, for instance, as the 
Sketch Book and Bracehridge Hall, that had 
been dismissed by their publishers as belonging 
to "dead literature." 

The enterprise of Mr. Putnam more than 
justified the expectations of th publisher and 
the hopes of the author, and the publisher's 
sympathetic labour constituted an important 
factor in perpetuating and extending the fame 
of Irving. The letter below quoted gives 



PUBLISHERS' NOTE 



evidence that Irving was large enough as a 
man and wide-minded enough as an author 
to make frank acknowledgment of the value 
of the service rendered by his publisher. 



"SuNNYsiDE, December 27, 1852. 

"Let me say how sensibly I appreciate the kind 
tone and expressions of your letter. You talk of 
obligations to me, but I am conscious of none that 
have not been fully counterbalanced on your 
part; and I take pleasure in expressing the great 
satisfaction I have derived, throughout all our in- 
tercourse, from your amiable, obliging, and honour- 
able conduct. Indeed, I never had dealings with 
any man, whether in the way of business or friend- 
ship, more perfectly free from any alloy. 

"That those dealings have been profitable is 
mainly owing to your own sagacity and enterprise. 
You had confidence in the continued vitality of my 
writings. You called them again into active exist- 
ence and gave to them a circulation that has, I 
believe, surpri^ " even yourself. In rejoicing at 
their success, m^ satisfaction is doubly enhanced 
by the idea that you share in the benefits derived 
from it. . . . 

"I remain, very truly and heartily, yours 

"Washington Irving. 
"To George P. Putnam, Esq." 



PUBLISHERS' NOTE 



The opportunity of the author to serve his 
friend, the pubHsher, came five years later. 
Mr. Putnam's firm was involved in the finan- 
cial troubles that in 1857 undermined the 
business of the country and that proved par- 
ticularly serious for publishing undertakings; 
and the plates of Irving's works came into 
the control of the author. 

Irving received propositions from a number 
of publishing houses to take charge of the 
books, the value of which had now been fully 
recognized. He took the ground, however, 
that the books must remain in the hands of 
the Putnam publishing concern as long as the 
business was being carried on by a Putnam. 
He arranged that the plates which had come 
into his ownership should, in consideration of 
certain annual payments, again become the 
property of the publisher. The returns se- 
cured by Mr. Putnam from the sale of the 
books during the two years that remained of 
the author's life and for his nieces, after his 



PUBLISHERS' NOTE 



death, showed that the author's confidence 
had not been misplaced. 

The present volumes contain unprinted 
material of unusual and intimate interest, 
which adds to our knowledge of the character 
of the great author. This production would 
not have been possible except with the friendly 
cooperation of the present owners of the manu- 
scripts of these letters, and for this cooperation 
the publishers desire to express on their own 
behalf, and on that of the public generally, 
the fullest recognition. 

The first acknowledgment is due to Mr, 
Isaac Newton Seligman, from whose famous 
collection of Irvingiana have been placed at 
the disposal of the publishers for use in this 
work the greater number of the letters written 
by Irving to Henry Brevoort. Mr. Seligman 
has for years interested himself in bringing 
together distinctive editions and original 
manuscripts of Irving 's works. The library 
in his home at Irvington, which adjoins the 



PUBLISHERS' NOTE 



grounds at Sunny side, contains a fascinating 
collection of material reminiscent of this most 
charming of authors. Mr. Seligman's public 
spirit is familiar to the community in which 
he lives, and he has taken a personal interest 
in furthering the publication of a work that 
should confirm and extend the memory of his 
favourite American author. 

Cordial thanks are also due to Dr. Roderick 
Terry for a valuable series of letters, which he 
has, in like manner, placed at the disposal of 
the editor and the publishers. Dr. Terry be- 
longs to a family whose home was for many 
years at Irvington. He has personal memory 
of the old-fashioned courtesy with which 
their neighbour, the great author, lifted his 
hat in response to the salute of his small 
neighbours, the Terry boys, as they drove by 
in their pony cart. He also feels a personal 
interest in the opportunity of collaborating in 
the production of a work recalling the memory 
of Irving. 



PUBLISHERS' NOTE 



Nine of the letters written to Henry Bre- 
voort come from the Hbrary of the editor, Mr. 
Hellman, who has further drawn upon his 
collection of the papers of Irving in present- 
ing in his Introduction material that had not 
hitherto found its way into print. 

Acknowledgments are also due for friendly 

courtesy and for material to Mr. William 

Henry Brevoort, Mr. William Harris Arnold, 

Mr. Christian Gerhardt, and Mr. Thomas F. 

Madigan. 

G. H. P. 
New York, June lo, 1915. 



iz 



INTRODUCTION 

The names of the two friends who figure in 
this correspondence have been made in many- 
ways famiHar to the New Yorker of to-day. 
One of our thoroughfares, reluctantly yielding 
old nooks and corners to the ever-grasping 
fingers of commerce, still retains some old- 
time flavor that one must hope will never quite 
disappear from Irving Place. Hotels, banks, 
schools, theatres, and business concerns of 
almost every conceivable nature have called 
into requisition the name of Irving. Nor shall 
we fail to find how, to a less extent yet similar- 
ly, has been employed the name of Brevoort, 
most notably in the delightful hostelry in that 
part of town which, in old days, included the 
farm of this noted family. But while these 
two names still play their part in the diversi- 
fied life of our city, the individuals whose 



INTRODUCTION 



character and achievement justified their 
significance have become remote figures. To 
renew our acquaintance with them, and to be 
led under their guidance into the pathways of 
the past, is the rich guerdon of those who shall 
read the letters of Washington Irving to Henry 
Brevoort. 

The life of Irving, first and still the most 
distinguished of New York authors, has been 
written once and again; no need, therefore, 
of any lengthy rehearsal here, or critical esti- 
mate of his writings. One point alone shall 
be accentuated: and that is, in the pages of 
few other authors can we — restless, hurried, 
and over-practical men and women, of a 
restless, hurried, and over-practical age — 
find more gracious and leisurely wisdom, 
more courteous human philosophy than in 
the pages of Irving. His is the tonic of 
quiet art. 

Henry Brevoort, Jr., the cultivated, efficient, 
and affluent citizen of the last century, be- 



INTRODUCTION 



longed to a family that came to America 
almost three hundred years ago. A curious 
illustration of how distinguished his family 
yet remains in present-day estimation is 
shown in the World's Almanac, which, in its 
genealogy of well-known American families, 
still records the fact that the wife of the first 
John Jacob Astor was the cousin of Henry 
Brevoort. The oldest living descendant of the 
seventeenth-century founder of this family, 
has, with appreciated courtesy, given me 
information concerning his ancestors; and 
from a letter of Mr. James Renwick Brevoort, 
the nephew of Irving's friend, are quoted the 
following passages: 

"My father lived in the country and 
rarely spoke about family matters, and my 
uncle died while I was yet a boy. I have 
only a recollection of him and of his resi- 
dence with the large garden, north of Ninth 
Street and Fifth Avenue. 

"I have heard my father say that Mr. 
Irving frequently came to see my grand- 



INTRODUCTION 



father to get facts and suggestions for his 
Knickerbocker History of New York. 

"Our family is descended from Heinrich 
Jan Van Brevoort who emigrated, together 
with his brother whose name I do not know, 
from Groningen in the north of Holland 
in the year 1642, Heinrich coming to Nieuw 
Amsterdam and the other brother to the 
Island of Nassau, now Long Island. There 
seem to have been two quite different types 
of the family, one tall, strong and light, 
with blue eyes, the other rather short, 
thick set, with dark eyes and hair. To the 
former belonged my grandfather and my 
father. My uncle Henry was of the short 
dark type. I have never heard anything of 
the descendants of the one who went to 
Nassau. My grandmother's name was 
Whetten, whose family were more or less 
seafaring people. My uncle William, 2nd 
son of my grandfather, was also a captain, 
and got out of N. Y. during the English 
blockade 1 814-15 and took his vessel to 
sea. Besides my uncles Henry and William 
there was a younger brother who died in 
New Orleans of yellow fever when a young 
man, and Margaret who married James 
Renwick, afterwards Professor of Chemistry 



INTRODUCTION 



and Physics in Columbia College. The 
Renwicks during my uncle's professorship 
of course lived in one of (the) college houses ; 
afterwards, at the corner of Fifth A v. and 
Ninth Street. Henry had two sons, James 
Carson and Henry W. — four daughters, 
Elizabeth, Meta, Constance and Edith. 
My uncle Henry's wife was from Charleston, 
S. C, her maiden name, Laura Carson. — 
My Uncle Henry as probably you know was 
known to most of the literary people of his 
day, and wrote very well himself — chiefly, 
I think, as critic. — At one time my grand- 
father owned property from 8th Street and 
Fourth Avenue to 13th Street, and west, 
I think, beyond Sixth Avenue. As the city 
advanced it of course became necessary to 
sell a good deal of the property. My 
grandfather died in 1840, in the 94th year 
of his age. It was said in the family that the 
bricks which built the original homestead 
were brought from Holland. The front of 
the old house which was added long after 
was of wood with a piazza fronting on the 
then Bowerie. The house stood facing what 
is now nth St.; this was prevented from 
being put through from 4th Av. to Broad- 
way by my grandfather. There was an 

XV 



INTRODUCTION 



old Dutch barn standing between 4th Av. 
and Broadway, the frame of which was 
hewn from oak timbers grown on the place. 
I have often heard my father say that, in 
his young days, there was no pavement 
above Chatham Square. Then the old 
Homestead was quite out of the City, and 
people would drive up to see my grandfather 
on a Sunday, he always having some sort of 
curious animal or bird of which he was fond 
of collecting. At one time he had a bear 
chained in his water melon patch west of 
B'way. Also a couple of deer. My grand- 
father was wheelwright by trade, and the 
shop formed a part of that old barn. In 
the old days traps were set on the asparagus 
beds and quails caught about where loth 
Street and Broadway now are. 

"In the early part of my uncle's life, he 
was in the employ of the original John Jacob 
Astor, and made long journeys into the 
then wilderness of the West to collect pelts 
for Astor, bringing them by packhorses and 
canoes to Albany, thence by sloop to N. Y. 

"It was always said in the family that he 
was the first white man who ever saw the 
straits of Mackinaw — at that (time) spelled 
Mackinack. " 



1 



INTRODUCTION 



Delightftil it is to read thus of bears and 
deer on Broadway and of the old days when 
quails were caught where now the noise of 
traffic would drown the voices of many birds. 
Washington Irving was born in William Street 
in 1783, when the final treaty, bringing with it 
the fruits of the American Revolution, had not 
yet been signed between England and the 
United States, and the city of Irving's birth 
was still a town containing fewer inhabitants 
than are now housed in one or two square 
blocks of the crowded city of to-day. It was 
a sociable and intimate little city in which 
Irving and Brevoort grew to manhood, and 
perhaps the chief charm in the early letters, 
which began with the year 1807, is to be found 
in the glimpses they give of society, not alone 
in New York, but also in Philadelphia, Balti- 
more, and Washington. New York was then, 
in such contradiction to the present, a city of 
New Yorkers. We have indeed gained much 
from the influx of many races and nations; 



INTRODUCTION 



yet a gain that does not altogether compensate 
for the civic solidarity of a day long past. 
Through the letters of Irving to Brevoort we 
lay firmer hold on traditions and re-enter into 
a heritage that the dwellers in our powerful 
but nervous, crude yet impressive city, have 
been prone to overlook. 

From the point of view of the literary 
historian, the present volumes are of more than 
ordinary significance in that the manuscripts 
on which they are based have, for the most 
part, remained heretofore unpublished. The 
correspondence begins and ends with hitherto 
unknown letters. The intervening missives 
were, to some extent, drawn upon by Irving 's 
nephew, Pierre M. Irving, in the "Life and 
Letters " issued some fifty years ago ; but, even 
for this, the editor availed himself mainly of 
excerpts; and while some of the letters were 
printed at considerable length, others were not 
used at all. Of the more than ninety now 
included, the manuscripts of, I believe, seven 



INTRODUCTION 



are unobtainable. In some of these instances, 
recourse has been had to the passages from 
them in the biography by living's nephew. 
Apart from these, the letters are given in full, 
with proper names that, for obvious reasons, 
were omitted in the publication shortly after 
Irving's death. 

With no other friend did Washington Irving 
carry on so voliiminous a correspondence as 
with Henry Brevoort. It forms a record of 
friendship such as the annals of our literature 
nowhere parallels. It is not an exciting 
document; it contains, indeed, introspective 
analyses, but not in the morbid and sometimes 
thrilling manner to which later literary cor- 
respondences have accustomed us; and the 
veil of Irving's reserve is only now and then 
lifted to disclose the precious intimacies of 
his chivalrous soul. Often the tribulations of 
business affairs interpose their shadows; but, 
for the most part, it is a sane and cheerful 
record of a famous life. 



INTRODUCTION 



And now, following the path of these letters, 
let us accompany Irving down the stream of 
the years. We find him first a genial, light- 
hearted youth of slight fame, prior to the 
publication of that book which is more inti- 
mately associated than any other with the 
name and traditions of our city — the History 
of New York by Diedrich Knickerbocker. He 
writes to Brevoort, on October 23rd, 1809, of 
the " minute and curious facts " which he has 
found in manuscripts in the Philadelphia 
Library, obliging him to make alterations in 
the first volume; and he asks his friend to 
forward the inscription on old Peter Stuy- 
vesant's tombstone, the inscription which may 
still be seen in the church of St. Mark's in 
the Bouwerie. Irving's "delectable history" 
is, of course, a kindly satire on the old Dutch 
inhabitants, a volume that does not come into 
the class of scholarly works based on impartial 
research; but its position remains uncontro- 
verted as the earliest production of an Amer- 



INTRODUCTION 



ican man of letters to evoke the cordial praise 
and to awaken the sympathetic merriment of 
European readers. In December, 1 809, after a 
series of notices in the Evening Post advertis- 
ing the disappearance of its supposititious 
author, the book was published, " to discharge 
certain debts" (as the advertisement had it) 
"of Mr. Diedrich Knickerbocker, the old 
gentleman whose sudden and mysterious dis- 
appearance has been noticed." The success 
of Irving's humorous history was immediate, 
excepting among some of the descendants of 
those Dutch ancestors whom he satirized; 
and even now, after the lapse of more than 
a century, our city retains the sobriquet of 
Father Knickerbocker. 

In the first few letters to Brevoort we move 
with Irving among a host of friends, for he was 
a most sociable young fellow, equally at home 
with men and women and children. The 
name of Mary Fairlie brings up recollections of 
one of the brilliant belles of Philadelphia, and 



INTRODUCTION 



later the wife of the actor-manager Thomas A. 
Cooper. Among the private papers of Irving 
I find a letter written to him from this young 
girl who as "Sophy Sparkle" appears in 
Salmagundi, the whimsical magazine, joint 
venture of Irving and Paulding and Irving's 
brother William, which through its course of 
twenty numbers stimulated and amused New 
York in 1807. From this letter of Mary 
Fairlie, a few passages may be chosen to 
indicate the light-heartedness of the corre- 
spondence which she and Irving exchanged. 
"There was a brilliant assembly, last night, 
but solitude," she writes, "offered charms 
more congenial to my soul, and I did not go. 
I have grown very romantic of late, and shun 
the world, am enchanted with retirement, and 
if the fine weather continues, you may be 
siuprised on your return to find me with 
book in my hand, sitting in the street, on the 
brink of a gutter under the shade of one of 
our great poplars. All your friends here 



INTRODUCTION 



(barring the angtdsh which your departure has 
caused them) remain in perfect state of salu- 
brity. The Hoffmans are all in good condi- 
tion — ^Ann says you are a shabby dog for not 
writing to her." 

The mention of the Hoffmans awakens a 
recollection of that event which overshadows 
all others in the record of Irving's life. His 
devotion to Matilda Hoffman, who died the 
year after Mary Fairlie's letter was written, 
continued long after her lovely life had ended. 
In his letter to Brevoort of May nth, 1809, he 
writes from the home at Kinderhook of his 
friend Van Ness of the calmness and serenity 
with which the hours move along; but even 
so, between the lines there is to be found, with 
that reticence of expression which character- 
izes similar allusions in later years to the 
loss which had overwhelmed him at life's 
threshold, sentences evidencing the keenness 
of his grief. 

It was in this same year that steamboat 



INTRODUCTION 



navigation began with Robert Fulton's suc- 
cessful voyage on the Hudson, and the mention 
of these early steamboats by Irving records, 
in passing, the discovery that has so radically 
affected the commerce and the intercom- 
munication of nations. In a more personal 
way we are brought into contact with events 
relating to the social history of early New York, 
referred to in Irving's comments on the home 
in the New Jersey highlands of Gouverneur 
Kemble, where the "Lads of Kilkenny" often 
met for their frolics. In addition to Irving, 
Kemble, and Brevoort, there were James 
Paulding, Henry Ogden, Peter Irving, and 
Peter Kemble among the "nine worthies" 
who constituted the little group so known; 
and in later life there are no references in 
Irving's letters more replete with affectionate 
sentiment than those in which he recalls the 
pastimes of this circle of friends. Irving at 
this time was still an inmate of his mother's 
house at the northwest corner of William and 



INTRODUCTION 



Ann Streets. A little later — early in 1811 — 
we find him sharing bachelor quarters with 
Brevoort, on Broadway, near Bowling Green. 
Brevoort's library may have been one of the 
inducements to this change; certainly these 
books proved a source of consolation when his 
friend went to Europe in 18 12, remaining 
abroad for almost two years. It was during 
this journey that Brevoort met Walter Scott 
to whose attention he so successfully brought 
the writings of Irving. On Brevoort's return 
to America, the two friends continued dwelling 
together at "a choice house kept on a most 
liberal scale." This house stood at the 
comer of Rector and Greenwich Streets, 
and was kept by the Mrs. Bradish to 
whom, in the course of his letters, Irving 
constantly sends the kindest of messages. 
Among its other inmates were Commodore 
Decatur and his wife, Captain Porter, the 
Scotchman Johnson, the Portuguese Sampayo, 
the wine merchant March, and other per- 



INTRODUCTION 



sonages that figure in the correspondence 
with Brevoort. 

These old homes are now but memories; 
yet New York still retains various houses 
reminiscent of Irving and his friends. The 
dwelling of his uncle in Irving Place is one; 
another is the Society Library in University 
Place. Irving was a trustee of this institu- 
tion, in whose halls there were heard the 
eloquence of Emerson, and the dithyrambs 
of Poe's Eureka. A third is the Renwick 
mansion, at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 
Ninth Street. Here the imagination wanders 
from the lyric years of Robert Bums, to our 
own days made brighter by the wit of Mark 
Twain, whose last years were lived in this 
old house. Jane Renwick, the mother of Ir- 
ving's friend — ^James, the Columbia professor 
— ^was, in her girlhood in Dumfriesshire, ad- 
mired of the poet, and of her Burns wrote: 

" While men have eyes or ears or taste 
She 'II always find a lover.'' 



INTRODUCTION 



Reverting to the year 1811 we shall meet 
with several lengthy letters written to Bre- 
voort from the city of Washington. The first 
of these recounts Irving's journey to the capi- 
tal by way of Baltimore — a journey "as full 
of adventurous matter and dire peril as one of 
Scott's pantomimic, melodramatic, romantic 
tales." Those were the days of the stage- 
coaches and amusing conversations with fel- 
low-passengers; nor with less humor does 
Irving describe figures in Washington life of 
those times, and "the blazing splendour of 
Mrs. Madison's drawing-room." Particularly 
significant in connection with the development 
of his character is his statement in one of his 
letters from the capital, that he does not 
suffer party feelings to bias his mind; for 
Washington Irving is the only instance in 
American history of a man who, not alone 
keeping aloof from partisanship, but even 
experiencing a decided aversion to all political 
office, was offered high positions in many 



INTRODUCTION 



fields of public life. That he was Minister 
to Spain is, of course, known to everyone; 
that he could have had, for the asking, a place 
in Congress is no less assured a fact; and 
that the Tammany Society "unanimously and 
vociferously" nominated the shy and stainless 
Irving to be Mayor of New York remains 
one of the most amusing of anomalous events 
in the records of our city. 

During the years that preceded the War of 
1812, Irving's main interest, outside of the 
round of social pleasures with his friends, 
was, I am inclined to think, not so much in 
literature as in the drama. We find him 
telling Brevoort that he has prolonged his 
stay at Philadelphia (in April, 181 1) in 
order to see Cooke act as Lear. After com- 
paring him with Cooper and Kemble, he 
writes at length of his performance, likening 
it to a "masterpiece of ancient statuary." 
In all his dramatic criticisms, Irving is able 
to separate essential excellence from "all the 



INTRODUCTION 



garish ornaments in which unskilfulness takes 
refuge. " 

With the war between England and Amer- 
ica a serious note enters into Irving's corre- 
spondence. Here he warns his friends of 
suspected spies, and comments on the unset- 
tled state of the times with more mature un- 
derstanding. But, even so, in such a letter as 
that of July 8th, 1812, he finds relaxation in 
social gossip and in amusing anecdotes con- 
cerning acquaintances. We meet with men- 
tion of the Rhinelanders, the Renwicks, and 
the Livingstons; we join Irving at a superb 
dinner given to the naval heroes, at which all 
the great eaters and drinkers of the city are 
present; and hear talk of armies, navies, and 
battles. The military spirit overtakes our 
gentle hero. He joins the staff of Governor 
Tompkins, and sends Brevoort accounts from 
Alban}^ of the duties of his station and the 
progress of the campaign. On the reverse of 
the letter of September 26th, 18 14, Brevoort 



INTRODUCTION 



has recorded in his autograph a long Hst of 
firms that had failed within the space of a fort- 
night, a record that has for us the interest of 
coincidence when we reflect that just a century 
later England was to become involved in a far 
more decisive war. 

The next year, war ended, Irving was free to 
gratify his wish to revisit Europe, ten years 
after his first journey abroad. When, on 
board the ship "Mexico," at Sandy Hook, 
he wrote his farewell letter to Brevoort, he did 
not foresee how long a time would intervene 
or how many events affecting his life would 
occur before he was again to return to the city 
of his affection. 

The long series of letters, some of them con- 
taining thousands of words, in the satisfactory 
epistolary manner of the last century, that 
at comparatively short intervals he sent to 
Brevoort during the years in England, touch 
not alone on many phases of his own activities, 
but refer with the interest of a first-hand 



INTRODUCTION 



observer to numerous important events and 
notable characters of the early nineteenth 
century. Napoleon and Waterloo and the 
Treaty of Ghent; Scott and Campbell and 
Isaac D'Israeli; soldiers like the Duke of 
Wellington; statesmen, publishers, critics, ac- 
tors and painters, enter these pages, replete 
also with references to the activities of Irving, 
in connection with those business affairs which 
were to end, in one way so disastrously, in the 
failure of his brothers' firm with which he was 
associated; — and throughout there is talk of 
old friends, and of a longing for home. Bre- 
voort had in the meanwhile not remained 
alone the pleasant companion of youthful 
days, but had developed into the generous 
adviser of Irving on all matters. It was, 
therefore, but natural that when, with the 
downfall of business plans, there came the 
strongest of impulses to devote his life to 
literature, Irving should look to Brevoort for 
such cooperation as a friend might offer. 



INTRODUCTION 



Thus we have him taking charge of the pub- 
lication of the Sketch Book in America, 
attending to the copyright, printing, and sale. 
In sending Brevoort the manuscript, Irving 
wrote: "I seek only to blow a flute of ac- 
companiment in the national concert; and 
leave others to play the fiddle and French 
horn." But despite the modest attitude of 
its author, the Sketch Book did more than 
confirm Irving's own fame : it established the 
right of American letters to be accorded 
independent recognition. Caustic foreign 
critics who had hitherto looked upon our 
literature as a toddling and imitative infant, 
holding on to the apron strings of its English 
mother, realized that with Irving the time 
had come when it was worth while to read an 
American book. 

At the age of thirty-six years, Irving had 
thus become an ob j ect of national pride . ' ' Van- 
ity, " he writes, "could not bring the tears 
into my eyes as they have been brought by the 



INTRODUCTION 



kindness of my countrymen ' ' ; and in another 
letter to Brevoort, wherein he mentions 
Knickerbocker's History and Salmagundi, as 
well as the Sketch Book, we find him saying: 
' ' There is something delightful to me in the 
idea that you in a manner stand godfather to 
all my children; I feel as if it were a new tie 
that binds us together." 

By Nicholas Carter, Irving's friend who 
later became the author of a volume entitled 
Letters from Europe, was preserved an anec- 
dote that amusingly and convincingly em- 
phasizes the vogue of the Sketch Book, An 
English lady and her daughter were visiting 
an Italian gallery which contained a bust of 
George Washington. Carter overheard their 
conversation: "Mother, who was Washing- 
ton?" asked the young lady, after gazing a 
short while at the bust. "Why, my dear, 
don't you know?" was the astonished reply. 
"He wrote the Sketch Book.'' 

While Irving was engaged on this work 



INTRODUCTION 



his friend Commodore Decatur was hoping 
that he would accept a place in the Navy- 
Board at Washington, a first clerkship 
corresponding approximately to that of Under- 
Secretary in England. Irving's brother Wil- 
liam sought to persuade his acceptance of this 
position; and here, among Irving's papers, 
we find William's letter in its entirety. So 
closely allied are the sentiments in its con- 
cluding portion to those that animated Wash- 
ington Irving himself as he grew older, that 
with sympathetic pleasure we rescue from 
oblivion the lines with which William ends 
his missive. He speaks of his own "only 
delight — retirement and seclusion from the 
world," and then goes on: "I never was cut 
out for a great politician. Trouble of every 
kind annoys me — I abominate parade, and like 
the maid servant who, when her mistress was 
to have a large company, asked for her supper 
that she might go to bed out of the way, I am 
for withdrawing from every scene of tumult 



INTRODUCTION 



or confusion. A levee night is my abomina- 
tion — and a public dinner my abhorrence. . . . 
I have, therefore, withdrawn, and feel most 
sensibly the truth of the proverb that 'home 
is home though never so homely.'" 

If Irving, in the closing years of his life at 
Sunnyside, had had a younger brother in 
whom to confide, these might have been the 
identical words which he would have written. 
But the days of his youth show him far more 
susceptible to the attractions of society; 
though even then arose the moments of re- 
action. Among his papers is the draft, or 
perhaps a copy, of a letter written by him to 
Gouverneur Kemble when Irving was at 
Richmond, in 1807, taking a minor part at the 
trial of Aaron Burr. It is a long letter, too 
long for full rehearsal here; but the following 
passage shows its tenor: 

" For myself I find I am declining very much 
in popularity from having resolutely and man- 
fully resisted sundry temptations and invita- 



INTRODUCTION 



tions to tea parties — stews — balls and other 
infernal orgies which have from time to time 
been celebrated by the little enchantresses of 
this place. I tried my hand two or three 
times at an apology for my non attendance, 
but it would not do, my usual ill luck followed 
me; for once when I alleged the writing of 
letters, it was plainly proved that I was seen 
smoking a cigar and lolling in the porch of the 
Eagle, and another time when I plead a severe 
indisposition, I was pronounced guilty of 
having sat at a young lady's elbow the whole 
evening and listened to her piano — all which 
brought me into manifest disgrace and reduced 
me to great extremity — upon the which I 
forthwith summoned up my pride, girded up 
my loins, foreswore all apologies in future and 
declared that I should thenceforward consider 
an invitation as an insult, — since which time 
I have had but little to complain of on that 
score, and enjoy sovereign independence and 
a perfect command of my time and person. " 



INTRODUCTION 



Despite Irving's desire for that freedom from 
social obligations which the preceding lines 
lightly make evident, his participation in 
Aaron Burr's trial was merely that of the 
interested observer who was at the same time 
a student of law. The value of this episode 
comes, for lovers of Irving, from the realization 
that with Aaron Burr, as with Napoleon Bona- 
parte, Irving could not altogether suppress 
a feeling of sympathy for a man of genius 
overtaken by fate. He did not forget that 
they were the victims of little enemies, as 
well as of their own great faults. 

The mention of Burr inevitably suggests the 
most costly of American duels; yet it took 
more than the killing of Hamilton (who lies 
buried in the street where Brevoort and Irving 
dwelt together) to bring an end to a custom 
that led to the death of Irving's friend Com- 
modore Decatur. Duelling in America was 
yet to become as obsolete as that piracy on 
the high seas which was swept into the past by 



INTRODUCTION 



the victories of Decatur and his fellows in our 
war with Algiers. 

That history should repeat itself is, I fancy, 
merely its way of emphasizing the constancy 
of the human equation, the significance of 
recurrent forces; but when such repetitions 
come in a form punctuated by centuries one 
must surmise that it is an act of courtesy of 
one muse to another, history realizing how 
literature has a leaning towards the phrase 
"just one hundred years ago." — But indeed, 
is it not strange that just one hundred years 
ago the United States, alone of nations, was 
making a determined stand for the rights of 
all nations on the highways of the sea? And 
in that war with the piratical nations of the 
African coast was not alone Irving's Commo- 
dore Decatur — from Rector Street, — ^but also 
the "little tar" Jack Nicholson, one of the 
chums of Irving and Brevoort. 

Returning to the letters to Brevoort, it is 
manifest that the success of the Sketch Book 



INTRODUCTION 



(written, for the most part, at the Birmingham 
home, ** the Redoubtable Castle Van Tromp," 
of his brother-in-law, Henry Van Wart) forms 
the great and fortunate break in Irving's ca- 
reer. With all his philosophy, the drudgery, 
and even more than this, the worry of mercan- 
tile affairs affected many of the letters written 
in 1815-1818 from Birmingham and Liverpool. 
But even in this period of business affairs we 
shall find, as in his description of the queer 
himian conglomeration in the hotel at Buxton, 
nuggets of literary art aglow with golden humor. 
Between 1820 and 1825 his epistles to Bre- 
voort were penned, with the exception of two 
London letters, in the happy metropolis 
of France, which, many years earlier, he had 
first visited as a care-free youth. Apart 
from French people, Irving now had as 
Parisian companions sometimes the poet 
Rogers and that jolly lyricist Tom Moore; 
again, from America would come Gallatin, 
Randolph, Astor, and others, bringing news 



INTRODUCTION 



of home; while his works were ever achiev- 
ing more success. We find him just touch- 
ing upon commercial affairs, in connection 
with an enterprise for navigating the Seine 
by steam; a business in which he took a 
share more on account of his brothers Peter 
and William than for himself. There are 
various references to drafts on Brevoort, 
which of course in those days he was able to 
make with full knowledge of immediate 
repayment when due. The only note of 
resentment during this period of his corre- 
spondence was in connection with the query 
as to the possibility of his renouncing America, 
which he had left in 1815, and to which he did 
not return for seventeen years. His indignant 
denial took the convincing form, that shall be 
found in his letter of March loth, 1821, and 
which renders manifest how truly the artist 
and the man was endeavoring to serve his 
country. 

And here we pause a moment to emphasize 

xl 



INTRODUCTION 



the entire validity and worthiness of Irving's 
argument. It is not alone the privilege but, 
it might well seem, the obligation of men of 
genius to follow their natural bent, yielding 
to their inclination in abstaining from political 
work, social movements and propaganda, and 
similar activities to which other serious and 
high-minded men may be devoting their en- 
ergies. The artist and the author often make 
their contribution to human development of 
most lasting benefit by reason of their partial 
remoteness from the questions of the day. 
They move and have their being in that world 
of beauty and of ideas which is not bounded 
by the interests of any particular epoch, and 
their service, although imponderable in the 
scales of immediate social benefit, remain the 
lasting heritage of countless generations. The 
artist who, like Irving, is true to his own talent, 
is, in the final analysis, the fairest benefactor 
of mankind. 

Irving's particular contribution in the field 

xli 



INTRODUCTION 



of creative writing was the sketch-story. In 
one of his Paris letters to Brevoort, he shows 
his reaHzation that this form of fiction was his 
own invention. "For my part," he writes, 
"I consider it merely as a frame on which to 
stretch my materials. It is the play of 
thought and sentiment, and language; the 
weaving in of characters lightly yet expressive- 
ly delineated; the familiar and faithful exhi- 
bition of scenes in common life; and the half 
concealed vein of humour that is often playing 
through the whole — these are among what I 
aim at, and upon which I felicitate myself in 
proportion as I think I succeed. " 

Towards the end of his stay in Paris, Irving 
devoted considerable time to the study of 
Spanish, study which was to stand him in good 
stead during the next few years while he was 
engaged upon his Life of Columbus. His 
letters from Spain are among the most delight- 
ful in this correspondence, and lengthy docu- 
ments indeed are those which he sent to 

xlii 



INTRODUCTION 



Brevoort from Madrid, Seville, and Valencia. 
His researches in Spanish history were based 
at first on the work of Navarrete, the noted 
Spanish historian, and this debt (which he 
fully acknowledged) led to some criticism 
after the publication of the Life of Columbus. 
But in the letters to Brevoort may be found 
Irving's refutation of every charge of plagiar- 
ism, and among Irving's private papers is an 
unpublished letter of Navarrete, showing that 
nothing had ever occurred to mar the cordial 
relations between the American and Spanish 
authors. 

It was during the years 1 827-1 829 that the 
charm of old Spain wove its spell around Ir- 
ving. The governor of the Alhambra had given 
him permission to live in a corner of the an- 
cient Moorish palace, and his description of 
his residence there contains one of the most 
poetical passages in all his writings, a de- 
scription with intermingling elements of beauty 
and of romance and the glamour of old days. 

xliii 



INTRODUCTION 



During this period, Irving became very friendly 
with the Russian diplomat Prince Dolgorouki, 
then an attache of the Russian Legation at 
Madrid. After Irving returned to America 
in 1832, the Prince wrote him a letter which 
has never yet appeared in type. It is a long 
and charming letter concerning diplomacy 
and art; and it contains the following anec- 
dote which must appeal to students of painting. 
"In visiting the Gallery at Amsterdam, whose 
chief ornament is a celebrated painting by 
Rembrandt, I found in one of the very last 
rooms of the Museum one of the most beauti- 
ful paintings of Murillo that I have seen since 
leaving Madrid. The Director of the Gallery 
had had it placed in the midst of a lot of bad 
copies of the Italian School, its frame touching 
the floor; and when I showed surprise that so 
great a master should receive so little regard, 
he answered that he thought ' 'twas enough 
honor for Murillo to find himself in the same 
room with a Van Dyck: ' there, indeed, being, 

xliv 



INTRODUCTION 



by chance, a siifficiently dubious portrait by 
that artist, hanging above the great master of 
the School of Seville." 

The charms of Andalusia, and all the attrac- 
tions of that Spain which revived for Irving 
scenes from Don Quixote, were left behind in 
1829, when Irving accepted the position of 
First Secretary of Legation under his friend 
McLane, then Minister to the Court of St. 
James. The next five letters are from London, 
where Irving was looking forward to meeting 
Brevoort, who had come to Europe. The 
revolution of 1830 was now occupying the 
attention of Europe, and we find Irving's 
comments on this "grand though terrible 
drama. " The change in the American admin- 
istration which led to the appointment of Ir- 
ving at the same time involved the withdrawal 
from diplomatic life of his friend Alexander 
H. Everett, who had been the American Min- 
ister to Madrid during Irving's stay in Spain, 
a position that Irving himself was to occupy in 

xlv 



INTRODUCTION 



later years. His letter to Everett has found 
its way into type, but Everett's reply has 
remained hitherto among the unpublished 
papers of Irving, and is here drawn upon in 
view of the literary and philosophic spirit 
which animates it, and which is also char- 
acteristic of Irving. After congratulating 
his young friend, Everett continues: "As 
regards myself, you are right in supposing 
that my recall has not greatly disturbed 
my philosophy; I have been for some 
time past soliciting permission to return 
on - leave of absence without any inten- 
tion of revisiting this place. My taste is 
rather for literary and scientific occupations 
than for politics and I feel a strong temp- 
tation to consider the recent change in 
my position and prospects as a signal for 
retreat to devote myself wholly in future to 
letters." 

In September, 1831, Irving resigned from 
the Legation. The end of that month marked 

xlvi 



INTRODUCTION 



his final meeting with Walter Scott who had 
been so loyal a friend since the early days when 
he had first come to know the genius of Irving 
through the copy of Knickerbocker' s History 
which Brevoort had sent to the author of 
Waverley. 

A few months later, Irving was at last home- 
ward bound. He returned to America a 
famous man, who for the remainder of his life 
remained one of the most distinguished and 
best beloved citizens of the republic. His 
career during the following years, his beauti- 
ful quiet life with his brothers and sisters and 
their children at his home of Sunnyside in 
Irvington, and the progress of his writings, 
do not come directly within the scope of 
this Introduction. Brevoort, with whom, of 
course, his correspondence now came for a 
time to an end, was again a near neighbor. 
We find an interesting reference to him in 
connection with the great fire which devas- 
tated New York in 1835, in a letter which was 

xlvii 



INTRODUCTION 



written on Christmas Day of that year by 
Irving to his brother Peter: "Poor Brevoort, " 
he writes, "has lost about fifty thousand 
dollars, and feels a little sore at the loss, but 
I trust will soon get over it, as he has an 
ample fortune left." The only letter that 
Irving seems to have written to his friend 
during these years is the brief note in which 
he suggests that Brevoort should join him 
in his visit to their old friend Gouver- 
neur Kemble, whither now we find Irving 
going accompanied by his niece, Sarah Paris. 
There is a boyish note in these lines, sug- 
gesting the high spirits of the days of their 
youth. 

In 1842 Irving and Brevoort were again 
separated by the width of the sea. Daniel 
Webster, as Secretary of State under Tyler, 
invited Irving to accept an appointment as 
Minister to the Court of Madrid. "I assure 
you," writes the greatest of American orators 
to the first of American men of letters, "it 

xlviii 



INTRODUCTION 



gives me much pleasure to have been instru- 
mental in calling you to so distinguished a post 
in the public service. If a gentleman of more 
merit and higher qualifications had presented 
himself, great as is my personal regard for you, 
I should have yielded to higher considera- 
tions. ' ' — * ' Ah ! This is a nomination everybody 
will concur in!" Henry Clay had exclaimed 
when hearing of it. "If the President would 
send us such names as this, we should never 
have any difficulty." Irving accepted, not 
without reluctance at the thought of leaving 
"dear little Sunny side. " He took with 
him as attache of Legation J. Carson Bre- 
voort, the son of his dear friend; and in 
the letter that Irving wrote to Brevoort 
from Paris not long after reaching Europe, 
he says: "I am delighted to have him with 
me; my heart warms toward him, not merely 
on his own account, but also on your 
own. He seems like a new link in our 
old friendship which commenced when we 

xlix 



INTRODUCTION 



were both about his age or even younger, 
and which I have always felt as something 
almost fraternal. " 

The final letter in this series to Brevoort is 
dated November 25th, 1843. It was written 
from Bordeaux during a two or three months' 
absence from Spain, a trip which Irving made 
in the search for health. So serious was his 
affliction that the Life of Washington and 
all his other literary labors were suspended. 
His income from his writings was on the wane, 
and we find him expressing the hope that "I 
may again find some bookseller to take a lease 
of my published works and thus, by hook and 
by crook, may be enabled to return home and 
spend some few years with my kindred and 
friends before I die." — It must indeed be a 
source of gratification to those publishers who 
are so appropriately issuing the present work, 
to recall that it was their father, George P. 
Putnam, who reestablished the vogue of 
Irving; with courage, faith, and sagacity re- 



INTRODUCTION 



printing all former writings and bringing out 
new ones. 

This last of the letters is one of those most 
worth reading. Touching upon literature, roy- 
alty, social affairs and diplomacy, it contains 
many paragraphs with sentiments worthy 
the remembrance. "In my diplomacy," we 
here find Irving saying, "I have depended 
more upon good intentions and frank and open 
conduct than upon any subtle management. 
I have an opinion that the old maxim Honesty 
is the best policy holds good in diplomacy." 
Here we have in a few lines the expression of 
American practice, it is to be hoped; and, 
certainly, of American ideals. With an amus- 
ing anecdote of "little Queen Victoria," the 
letter draws towards its end; and so it is this 
kind and gentle lady, a personage of our own 
times, who seems thus graciously to link us 
with the days of Irving. 

Here, then, we leave this chain of letters 
which for more than thirty-five years bound 



INTRODUCTION 



in loyal intimacy the old New Yorker, Henry 
Brevoort, and the old New Yorker who signs 
himself at the end of this correspondence with 
his friend : 

"Ever most affectionately yours, 

Washington Irving." 

O courteous citizen of elder days, 

Gracious romance was thine, and kindly mirth. 

Full well it is thy genius to praise; 

But best, thy wisdom of goodwill on earth. 

George S. Hellman. 
New York: June, 191 5. 



Hi 



CONTENTS 



PAGE 



Publishers' Note ..... iii 

Introduction ...... xi 

I. — Skeenesborough, May 9th, 1808 . . 3 

Business affairs — Reference to Goldsmith's "Vicar of 
Wakefield." 

II. — New York, June nth, 1808 • . . 5 

At Mr. Hoffman's after the death of Matilda — News of 
Mary Fairlie and the Moore girls. 

III. — Kinderhook, May nth, 1809 8 

At the Van Ness home — Mention of Cooper, the actor. 

IV. — Kinderhook, May 20th, 1809 . 11 

Irving awaits his manuscript by the steamboat — Mention 
of his friends James K. Paulding and Peter Kemble. 

V. — Philadelphia, October 23rd, 1809 . 14 

'* Knickerbocker's History of New York" — Inscription 
on Peter Stuyvesant's tombstone — The Hoffmans. 

VI. — New York, September 22nd, 1 810 . 16 

Gouverneur Kemble' s Castle in the Highlands — The 
"Lads of Kilkenny" — Gossip of various friends. 

liii 



CONTENTS 



VIL— -Washington, January 13th, 1 8i I . 19 

Journey to Baltimore by stagecoach — Mrs. Madison's 
y levee — Description of the President and of various other 
characters at the Capital. 

VIII. — Washington, February 7th, 181 1 . . 29 

The social round at Baltimore — Mention of Napoleon — 
" Cousin Knickerbocker." 

IX. — Washington, March 5th, 181 1 . . 36 

Farewell to Washington — Mrs. Rumsey's boarders. 

X. — Philadelphia, March i6th, 181 1 . . 40 

Description of society at Baltimore — A musing comments 
on various friends. 

XI. — Philadelphia, March 1 8th, 1 8i I . . 44 

Introducing William Rogers of Rhode Island — The ap- 
proaching marriage of Gouverneur Kemble. 

XII. — Philadelphia, April nth, 181 1 . . 45 

The drama — Shakespeare's plays — The art of Cooper, 
Kemble, and Cooke — Sully's picture in the Academy of Arts. 

XIII. — New York, May 15th, 1 81 1 . . 50 

Irving's routine as a clerk — His aspirations — The 
Hoffmans and Renwicks — Society gossip — Cooke and Cooper 
— Irving's desire for solitude. 

XIV.— New York, June 8th, 18 1 1 ... 61 

Gouverneur Kemble' s voyage — Peter Irving's rascality — 
"The Lads" — Irving's dissatisfaction with himself — Mar- 
garet Brevoort — Affairs of the stage. 

liv 



CONTENTS 



XV.— New York, August [?1 1 8i I ... 66 

Commodore Decatur, the Portuguese Sampayo, the wiru 
merchant March, and other fellow-lodgers of Brevoort and 
Irving at Mrs. Bradish's — Reference to "Don Quixote" — 
Gossip and humor. 

XVI. — New York, March 17th, 1812 . . 70 

Warning concerning a British spy named Henry — The 
Embargo in the War of 181 2 — Dinner at Mrs. Renwick's, the 
heroine of several of the poems of Robert Burns — Brevoort' s 
commission from Governor Tompkins. 

XVII. — New York, March 29th, 1 812 . . 74 

Payment for " Knickerbocker' s History of New York." 

XVIII.— New York, July 8th, 1812 . . 75 

Rusticating at Hell Gate — The Rhinelanders and other 
old New York families — Marriage of Mary Fairlie and 
Cooper, the actor — Amusing comments on women. 

XIX. — New York, January 2nd, 1 813 . . 87 

Excursion up the Hudson — Much gossip of friends — 
Success of the American navy — The ball on New Year's Eve — 
James Renwick and Columbia College — Progress of the War. 

XX. — New York, September 9th, 1814 . . 97 
Message from Judge Van Ness to Brevoort. 

XXL — Albany, September 26th, 1814 . . 98 

Irving as aide on the staff of Governor Tompkins — Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Cadwallader D. Colden — Progress of the 
campaign — The victory at Champlain — Failures in the 
commercial world owing to the War. 

XXII.— New York, October i6th, 1814 . . 100 

Gossip concerning friends — England's terms for peace — 
The determination of the American spirit. 

Iv 



CONTENTS 



XXIII.— Sandy Hook, May 25th, 1815 . . 104 

Departure from America on the Ship "Mexico" — Fare- 
well to Brevoort and other friends. 

XXIV.— Birmingham, July 5th, 1815 . . 106 

With the Van Warts at " Castle Van Tromp" — The over- 
throw of Napoleon — " Wonderful events in the political 
world" — Irving' s love for children — His nieces, and his god- 
daughter Matilda — Comment on a dishonorable acquaintance 
— Actors and acting. 

XXV. — Liverpool, August 19th, 1815 . .116 

Tour in Wales with James Renwick — American affairs 
at Algiers — Decatur and Jack Nicholson — Madame Bona- 
parte, and the fallen fortunes of "poor Boney" — Byron's 
"Hebrew Melodies." 

XXVI. — Liverpool, August 23rd, 1815 . . 122 

Brevoort and John Jacob Astor's Northwest Company — 
The Treaty of Ghent — Thomas Campbell and his wife — 
Walter Scott and the failure of the Ballyntines — Discussion 
concerning the authorship of " Waverley" and "Guy Manner- 
ing" — The American traveller abroad — Departure of Bona- 
parte for St, Helena — Comments on the English Cabinet. 

XXVII. — Liverpool, September 8th, 1815 . 131 

Peter Irving, James Renwick, and Charles King — Ma- 
dame Bonaparte at Cheltenham — Music for Mrs. Bradish and 
her daughter. 

XXVIII. — Liverpool, September 26th, 181 5 . 135 

A ducking in the Mersey — English and American chil- 
dren — Various new acquaintances. 

XXIX. — Liverpool, October 17th, 1815 . . 140 

The sordid cares of the counting house — Renwick in Scot- 
land. 

Ivi 



CONTENTS 



XXX. — Liverpool, November 2nd, 1815 . . 144 

Muncaster, the Liverpool bookseller — Murray, the pub- 
lisher — Reference to the battle of Waterloo— Gossip of many 
friends. 

XXXI. — Birmingham, December 28th, 1 81 5 . 148 

Miss O'Neil, Mrs. Mardyn, Kean, Garrick, Cooper, and 
other actors — Thomas Campbell at London — Christmas at 
the Van Warts'. 

XXXII. — Birmingham, March 15th, 1816 , 154 

Business hardships — Irving's longing for New York — 
The engagement of James K. Paulding — Advice to Brevoort 
concerning marriage — The death of Aiigelica Livingston — 
Reference to Jack Nicholson and the pirate, Rais Hammida — 
Decatur's ideas concerning young officers. 

XXXIII. — Liverpool, April 29th, 1816 . . 171 

Books for Brevoort — Comment on acting. 

XXXIV. — Liverpool, May 9th, 1 8 16 . . 175 

New acquaintances among the literati of Liverpool — 
Expressions of old affection for Brevoort. 

XXXV. — Birmingham, July i6th, 1816 . . 179 

Business anxiety and turmoil — Brevoort helps Washing- 
ton's brother Ebenezer — Irving congratulates Brevoort on his 
betrothal — Meets with an old fisherman reminding him of 
Isaac Walton — Messages to Mrs. Bradish — Comment on the 
literary reputation of Paulding. 

XXXVI. — Birmingham, November 6th, 181 6 , 191 

Description of characters at Buxton — Peter Irving and 
the vagrant actors — The old fat General Trotter — The Duke of 
Wellington — Comparison of the feet and ankles of French and 
English women. 

Ivii 



CONTENTS 



XXXVII. — Birmingham, December 9th, 1816 . 204 

Congratulates Brevoon on the marriage oj his sister to Ren- 
wick — Irving' s views on marriage — His doom to live an old 
bachelor — Reverend Rann Kennedy and Dr. Parr — General 
poverty and misery in England. 

XXXVIII. — Birmingham, January 29th, 1817 215 

Happy times with the Van Warts — The country excur- 
sion with his brother Peter — Romantic ramble with various 
friends. 

XXXIX. — Liverpool, March loth, 181 7 . 226 

List of books sent to Brevoort. 

XL. — Liverpool, March 24th, 1 81 7 . . 230 

Business affairs — Reference to the capture of Washington 
by the British — Charles Fox, a son of Lord Holland — Irving' s 
home-sickness. 

XLI. — Liverpool, May 20th, 1817 . . . 235 

Mrs. Schmidt and her sister, Helen Bache — The death of 
Mrs. Verplanck and the illness of Mrs. Hoffman — Messages 
for various friends. 

XLII. — Birmingham, May 26th, 1817 . . 239 

Thomas Campbell's new work — Irving's desire that Bre- 
voort should find an American publisher for Campbell. 

XLIII. — Liverpool, June 7th, 18 17 . , 244 

Business troubles increase — The romantic marriage of 
Serena Livingston — The poetry of Thomas Moore. 

XLIV. — Liverpool, June nth, 1 81 7 . . 249 

Regarding payment for books — The failure of Irving's 
brother-in-law, Van Wart. 

Iviii 



CONTENTS 



PAGE 



XLV. — Liverpool, June nth, 1 817 . , . 250 

A second letter sent by another ship concerning payment 
for books. 

XLVI. — Liverpool, June 2 1st, 1 81 7. . . 251 

Introducing Mr. Coles, late secretary of President Madi- 
son. 

XLVIL — Liverpool, July nth, 181 7 . . 252 

Business disaster — Irving' s views regarding the mortifica- 
tions of dependence — Plans for the future. 

XLVIIL — Liverpool, July 21st, 1817 . . 256 

Regarding a draft in favor of Muncaster, the bookseller. 

XLIX. — Edinburgh, August 28th, 181 7 . 257 

A day with Campbell at Sydenham — Dinner with Murray, 
the puJblisher, and meeting with Isaac D' Israeli — Voyage to 
Scotland — A call at Francis Jeffrey's, the critic — Visit at 
Abbotsford — The charm of Walter Scott. 

L. — Liverpool, October loth, 1817 . . . 269 

Congratulates Brevoort on his approaching marriage. 

LL — Liverpool, January 28th, 1818 . . 273 

Irving and his brothers pass through the Bankruptcy Act 
— He asks Brevoort to aid Ebenezer. 

LIL — Liverpool, March 22nd, 1818 . . 277 

Business letter referring to drafts. 

Lin. — Liverpool, April 30th, 1818 . . . 279 

Takes lessons in flute music — Irving wishes to send 
"choice music" for Airs. Brevoort. 

LIV. — Liverpool, May ist, 1818 . . . 283 

Draws on Brevoort for $500. 

lix 



CONTENTS 



PAGE 



LV. — Liverpool, May 19th, 181 8 . . . 284 

Irving is out of bankruptcy— Studies German and can 
"splutter" a little — James K. Paulding and Thomas Camp- 
bell. 

LVI.— Liverpool, May 23rd, 1818 . . .288 
Relating to bills and drafts. 

LVII. — Leamington, July 7th, 181 8 . . 289 

With his sister, Mrs. Van Wart — The Renwicks and 
Gouverneur Kemble. 

LVIII. — London, September 23rd, 1818 . . 292 

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Bartley of the Drury Lane 
Theatre. 

LIX. — London, September 27th, 181 8 . . 293 

Congratulates Brevoort on birth of son — New edition of 
"Knickerbocker's History" — Leslie and Allston. 

LX. — London, October i6th, 1818 . . . 297 

Draws on Brevoort for $300. 

LXL — London, March 3rd, 1819 . . . 298 

Asks Brevoort to attend to copyright, printing, and sale of 
the "Sketch Book" — Describes his literary aims. 

LXII. — London, April ist, 1819 . . . 304 

Second number of the" Sketch Book" — Verplanck's oration 
criticising" Knickerbocker ' ' — Mention of ' ' Rip Van Winkle. ' ' 

LXIIL— London, May 13th, 1819 . . .307 

Third number of the "Sketch Book" — Irving at the end of 
hisfortunes. 

LXIV. — London, July loth, 1819 . . .308 

The "Sketch Book" again — Irving refuses political office 
at Washington — Comments on Paulding and " Salmagundi." 

Ix 



CONTENTS 



LXV. — London, July 28th, 18 19 . . - 313 

Irving receives the printed copy of the "Sketch Book" — 
Forwards various corrections to Brevoorl. 

LXVI. — London, August 2nd, 18 19 . . 317 

Asks Brevoort to keep an eye on grammatical inaccuracies 
in the proof of the "Sketch Book." 

LXVIL — London, August 12th, 1819 . . 318 

Delight at favorable reception of the " Sketch Book " — Refer- 
ences to "Knickerbocker" and "Salmagundi" — Expressions 
of gratitude to Brevoort. 

LXVIII. — London, August 15th, 1819 . . 324 

Substitutions in articles for the "Sketch Book." 

LXIX. — ^London, September 9th, 1819 . . 326 

American biography — Praise from the American press — 
Coleman of the "Evening Post." 

LXX. — London, September 2 1 St, 1 819 . . 332 

First and second numbers of the "Sketch Book" — 
Irving's "intervals of literary incapacity." 

LXXL — London, March 27th, 1820 . . 333 

Irving hears from Scott that Lockhart's article in " Black- 
wood's Magazine, " praising the "Sketch Book, " was written 
at Scott's instigation — Praise for Paidding. 

LXXIL — London, May 13th, 1820 . . 337 

Newton's portrait sent to Brevoort — Friendship with 
Isaac D'Israeli — Sees Walter Scott repeatedly — Byron and 
"Don Juan" — The death of Decatur. 

LXXIII. — London, August 15th, 1820 . 342 

Murray's drawing-room — Lady Caroline Lamb — Belzoni 
the traveller — Hallam the historian — Memories of old days. 

bd 



CONTENTS 



LXXIV. — Paris, September 22nd, 1820 . . 349 

An enterprise for navigating the Seine by steamboat. 

LXXV. — Paris, March loth, 1821 . . . 352 

More regarding the steamboat project — Irving's resent- 
ment of the suggestion that he had renounced America — 
His belief as to the best exertion of his talents — Moore and 
the "Life of Sheridan" — Canning and Sydney Smith. 

LXXVL— Paris, April 5th, 1821 . . .360 

Draws on Brevoort rather than on his own brothers. 

LXXVII.— Paris, April 5th, 1821 . . .362 

Letter sent by another steamer, identical in tenor with 
preceding letter, but varying in wording. 

LXXVIIL— Paris, April 14th, 1821 . . 366 

Financial matters in reference to the steamboat concern — 
Success of the "Sketch Book" — John Jacob Astor and his 
family in Paris — Renwick and Columbia College — ' ' The 
North American Review." 

LXXIX. — Paris, April 2 1st, 1 82 1 . . .. 379 

Business affairs — Plans for literary work. 

LXXX.— Paris, May 15th, 1821 . . .383 

Music for Mrs. Brevoort — Awaits news of friends in 
New York. 

LXXXI. — London, June nth, 1822 . . 385 

Success of Irving's writings — Social gaieties — John 
Randolph — Mrs. Siddons — Thomas Hope and Samuel 
Rogers — Matthews the comedian. 

LXXXII. — Paris, December nth, 1824 . . 395 

The charm of New York and its environs — Irving and 
the critics — Irving's analysis of his own art—Bayle's " Dic- 
tionary" and Burton's "Anatomy of Melancholy." 

Ixii 



CONTENTS 



PACE 

LXXXIIL— Paris, May 29th, 1825 . . 403 

Introducing two young Englishmen about to visit America. 

LXXXIV.— Paris, May 30th, 1825 . 404 

Refers to preceding letter — The Cathedral at Rheims — 
Longs for a cosy chat with Brevoort. 

LXXXV.— Madrid, April 4th, 1827 . . 407 

Refers to misunderstanding with Brevoort — The "Life of 
Columbus" — Old Spanish literature — Fenimore Cooper and 
his novels — William Cullen Bryant and Fitz-Greene Hal- 
leck — Pierre and Peter Irving. 

LXXXVL— Madrid, February 23rd, 1828 . 417 

The "History of Columbus" — Cares and troubles of 
Brevoort and Irving. 

LXXXVII.— Seville, December 20th, 1828 . 419 

The success of the "History of Columbus" — Work on the 
"Conquest of Granada" — Life at Seville — Mention of old 
friends, Paulding, Nicholson, Kemble, Ogden, and Renwick. 

LXXXVIIL— Alhambra, May 23rd, 1829 . 425 

Receives permission from Governor of the Alhambra to 
reside in the Palace — Its beauty and charm — Edgar Irving 
and Prince Dolgoruki — The Spanish historian, Navarrete, 
and Irving' s "History of Columbus" — Morals and manners 
of society in New York — Irving' s affection for his country. 

LXXXIX. — ^Valencia, August loth, 1829 432 

Leaves the Alhambra to enter diplomatic service in Lon- 
don — Description of the journey through Spain — "Don 
Quixote" — Delay at Barcelona — Arrival at London via Paris. 

XC. — London, May 31st, 1830 . . . 439 

Activities as Secretary of Legation — Introduces Pro- 
fessor de Butts to Brevoort who is now in Europe. 

Ixiii 



CONTENTS 



PAGE 

XCI. — London, March 31st, 183 1 . . . 441 

Rejoices at Brevoort's recovering from an operation — 
Historical events at Paris. 

XCII. — London, July 5th, 1831 . . -447 

Irving' s lack of ambition for official honor — Van Buren 
spoken of as successor to McLane as Minister to the Court of 
St. James — Lockhart's article on Moore's "Life of Byron.'* 

XCIIL — London, November 2nd, 1831 . . 449 

Regrets Brevoort's departure from London — Amusing 
reference to the King and a dinner of roast goose. 

XCIV. — Irvington, Summer of 1838 . . 450 

Asks Brevoort to accompany him on a visit to Gouverneur 
Kemble. 

XCV.— Paris, July ist, 1842 . . . . 451 

Irving's pleasure at having Brevoort's son, J. Carson 
Brevoort with him — Vail, Irving's predecessor as Minister 
to Spain — The claim of society — An episode with the Duchess 
of Grammont. 

XCVI. — Bordeaux, November 26th, 1843 . 455 

/// health and mental harassment — Suspension of the 
" Life of Washington" and all other literary work — The char- 
acter of Brevoort's son, Carson — Irving's conduct as Ameri- 
can Minister during the exciting times at Madrid — His pro- 
tection of the Queen and his relation with other diplomatists — 
Days at Paris — Samuel Rogers and his art of story-telling — 
Anecdote of Queen Victoria and Lord Aberdeen — Pleasure 
of owning one's own home. 



Ixiv 



LETTERS OF WASHINGTON IRVING 
TO HENRY BREVOORT 




r~^, 



{'hir//^//f//r/^ 



V '/'///// 



LETTERS OF WASHINGTON IRVING 
TO HENRY BREVOORT 



Skeeneshorough, May g- 1808. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

Here have I been embargoed by confounded 
contrary winds for five days — having arrived 
the day after you set sail — I feel extremely 
embarrassed how to proceed. The good folks 
at the line are so excessively strict that I dare 
not risk my silver across. I believe I shall 
sail for Burlington tomorrow if the wind 
favours & deposit my silver there — either 
getting gold in exchange or receipts from the 
cashier — which I am told I can get cash at 
par for, in Montreal from Merchants who wish 
to remit money to their agents in Vermont. 
I have about 9,000$ with me — look about if 
you can secure me good Bills. I am afraid 



SKEENESBOROUGH, MAY 9!^ 1808 

this will turn out but a lame business all 
round. I have heard of N uncles getting 
through the trap — with the loss of his tail; 
and as for myself, I expect to rival honest 
Primrose's son Moses, in his great bargain 
of the green spectacles. 

I entreat you not to leave Montreal until 
my arrival — we must return together. My 
Brother Peter is with me — and we are both 
at the house of Bully Rook, mine host of 
the Garter. We have nearly read through the 
library of the good Dame Quickly — ^who by 
the way is a great friend of yours. Enquire 
about, whether you can find any who will 
accept drafts on the Burlington Bank at par — 
remember me to our friends & believe me 

Ever yours 

W.I. 



NEW YORK, JUNE ii^ 1808 

New York, June 11- 1808. 

MY DEAR harry: — 

McKenzie starts this afternoon and I 
snatch a moment from the crowd of avoca- 
tions to scribble you a line if it is merely to 
let you know how much, how very much I 
long to see you. The fates, who I once for all 
curse for a set of perverse, ill-natured old 
maids — have most obstinately persisted in 
keeping us asunder during our travels, and I 
have no other method of bafifling their malice, 
than to remain stock still in town until your 
return. I entreat you & believe me I do it 
most earnestly, and in the fullness of my heart, 
to come back as soon as your honest occupa- 
tions will permit, for I never was more 
impatient to shake you by the hand, than I 

am at present. Our poor friend Mrs. R ■ 

breathed her last this morning. I am now 
writing at the house of Mr. H. which is a 
melancholy mansion indeed. What between 
one melancholy event & another, and my own 



NEW YORK, JUNE ii^h 1808 

fickle spirits, I find myself sadly depressed, 
but I am certain your return would perfectly 
revive me. I got home the evening before 
last and found our friends much I believe as 
you left them. You know that Mary Fairlie 
is down at Rockaway. Louisa & Maria 
Moore have gone down to keep her company. 
Ann is fair & beautiful as ever & fiill of fas- 
cination. You are a prodigious favourite of 
hers & seem to have won all the epaulettes 
&c &c, in fact you are spoken of with a degree 
of affection by the whole family, which I 
assure you has delighted me ; for I wish all my 
friends to be thoroughly yours. 

I shall not pretend to give you much news 
in this letter for it is an even chance whether 
McKenzie meets with you or not — but shall 
close with again begging you to let me see you 
in N York as soon as possible. 

I am my dear fellow 
Truly yours 

W.I. 



NEW YORK, JUNE 11^11 1808 

P.S. Mr. H. sent a letter to me by you which 
you were to leave in Albany. I never re- 
ceived it & hope you will be carefvil to bring it 
with you. 



KINDERHOOK, MAY ii^h 1809 

Kinderhook, May 11- i8og, 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I wrote you a hasty letter a few days since, 
and as Mr. Van Ness is about visiting the city 
I will scrawl you a few more, since they will 
cost you no postage. I feel much heartier 
than when I left town, particularly within 
these two last days; and have been able to 
resume my pen this morning, but not with 
much spirit — I am in hopes however, that I 
shall brighten up as I proceed. My time here, 
though I pass most of it by myself, slips off 
very pleasantly — and I find so little want of 
amusement to while it away, that for two 
days I have scarcely been out of the house. 
You would be highly pleased with a visit 
here — the house is spacious and judiciously 
planned and the surrounding country affords 
a variety of agreeable scenery. 

The only coimtry acquaintance I have 
made, is a schoolmaster who teaches the 
neighbouring children — a pleasant, good na- 



KINDERHOOK, MAY iiili 1809 

tured fellow, with much native, unimproved 
shrewdness and considerable humour. As he 
is a kind of inmate at Van Ness's we have 
become very great friends and I have 
found much entertainment in his con- 
versation. 

Van Ness mentioned that he meant to in- 
vite you to return with him. If he does so, 
I wish you would accept his invitation. 
Perhaps the picture I have been giving of my 
situation may not be calculated to entice you 
from the city; for I own it has the features of 
dull monotony — but I assure you the hours 
move along here with a calmness and serenity, 
that, if I may judge of your feelings from my 
own, would be infinitely more gratifying than 
all the hurry and noisy mirth of more dissi- 
pated scenes. 

If you should come up enquire of him 
whether he has looked at any of those things 
I left with him, and if he has done with any of 
them bring them with you. Should he leave 



KINDERHOOK, MAY iitJi 1809 

town for any time, I wish he would seal them 
up and leave them with my mother. 

I wish you would procure me a bottle of that 
oil you used for your hair — the nervous fever 
with which I have lately been troubled has 
occasioned mine to come out a little — and I 
would wish to try your prescription — ^let me 
have it by Mr. Van Ness. 

Write me if there is any more news about 
the Orator, the red man or any other topic of 
conversation. Does Cooper go out to Eng- 
land? How does King Stephen make out? 
and all the other chit chat of the day. 

I have just time to finish & fold up my 
letter. Remember me to my friends the 
Hayslops &c. 

Yours most truly 

W.I. 



10 



KINDERHOOK, MAY 20th 1809 

Kinderhook, May 20- i8og 

MY DEAR fellow: — 

Mr. Van Ness mentions that you sent me a 
pacquet by the Steam boat but it has never 
come to hand. He says it contained a recent 
work called letters from the Mountain — but 
I am apprehensive that it contains some of 
my Mss. You cannot think how uneasy I 
feel — why did you not drop me a line in the 
post ofhce at the same time to let me know a 
pacquet was coming — as to directing it to be 
left at Hudson, you might as well say the 
hank of the river — I know not where to look 
for it, or whether it has been sent ashore at 
Hudson or carried to Albany. 

Do write me immediately on the receipt of 
this — if it is only a single line to put me out 
of suspense. If you have not forwarded any 
of the Mss. do not do so unless you or Peter 
K come up here. I would not have them sent 
by a chance conveyancer. 

I hope Jim has nearly run through them — 



KINDERHOOK. MAY 20* 1809 

I fear he will be too minute & either be very 
long about it, or tire himself out before he has 
got half way. I have almost finished — and in 
the course of a week hope to be released from 
my pen. I shall then drive with all possible 
dispatch to get completely done with the 
business and once more liberty, when I shall 
take up a regular course of study for the 
summer. 

I shall return in the course of a fortnight — 
though my good friend Van Ness had insisted 
upon my staying until September. I have 
promised if possible to return here — and I 
rather think this will be my summer's retreat. 
It is exactly the kind of place I have long 
pictured to myself as an enviable summer's 
seclusion. 

I have received a long letter from my worthy 
friend Peter Kemble, to whom I feel more 
gratitude for this mark of affection, than I can 
easily express. I wish you had come up with 
Van Ness so as to return with me — ^you may 



KINDERHOOK, MAY 20^.^ 1809 

yet take a trip here and accompany me down. 
If you come up & bring up the MSS. that are 
in Jim's hands — I will have occupation enough 
to keep me here some time longer. I wish you 
would do so. The country is heavenly — 
every thing is in bloom. 

Farewell — I am writing at almost midnight 
and scarce know what I scrawl. Do not fail 
to write me word immediately about the 
pacquet — & who you sent it in charge of. 
Write by the very first mail after you receive 
this, otherwise it will make a difference of two 
or three days. Remember me to all and 
believe me 

Yours most truly 
W.I. 
P.S. I wish Jim to save a little of his atten- 
tion & critical industry for the remainder 
which I have in hand. I have not been able 
to do it the justice I would wish from not be- 
ing in full health & spirits — I have done little 

more than copy off from my original scrawls. 

13 



PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 23^ 1809 
Philadelphia, Oct. 2j- 1809. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I am so pressed for time that I have not 
been able to write to any of my friends in 
N York. I wish you would tell Mrs. Hoffman 
— ^James & Peter that I shall write to each of 
them as soon as I can find leisure, and do let 
me know how you are all coming on and what 
you are doing in N York. Is the little orator 
still faithful to his post? I am peculiarly 
anxious that he should persevere & succeed, 
and then he & his delectable Rib might love or 
hate one another as much as they pleased for 
aught I'd care. — I only chuckle to myself to 
think how the little man would be stumped, if 
he offered to read one of his dull pieces of wit, 
or sport one of his Johnsonian contradictions 
after matrimony. 

I have been delayed in putting my work to 

press by some minute & curious facts which I 

found in a Mss. in the Phila- Library & which 

has obliged me to make alterations in the 

14 



PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 23d 1809 

first vol. but tomorrow I begin — by God. 

I wish you would immediately forward me 
the inscription on old P. Stuyvesant Tomb- 
stone — and get Jim as well as yourself to 
prepare some squibbs &c to attract attention 
to the work when it comes out. 

I am my good fellow 

Yours 
W. I. 
P.S. Ann & Charles are as loving and happy 
as two little robins in one nest. 



15 



NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 22^ 1810 
New York, Sept. 22^ 18 10. 

MY DEAR fellow: — 

I engaged to write you a letter to Albany 
and this is scribbled in haste to keep my 
promise & save my supper. I had hoped 
before this to have had you in New York, but 
a letter I have just seen from you to Hyslop 
informs me that you will not be here until 
some time next week. 

We have received news that poor L'Herbert 
is taken and carried into Plymouth — this I 
am afraid will knock up your French specula- 
tions. I see by this morning's papers that 
honest Sindbad has arrived safe in port — I 
mean to visit him tomorrow if I am in town. 
I am so much pressed for time that I cannot 
enter into a narrative of all that has come to 
pass among our friends since your departure, 
though I believe the catalogue of events would 
by no means be voltiminous. 

I passed eight or ten days delightfully at 

the Captain's Castle in the Highlands. He 

16 



NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 22^ 1810 

lives in a royal bachelor style and is a true 
Lad of Kilkenny. 

Charles & Ann are still here, but talk of 
leaving us tomorrow. Our Theatre has 
opened with as sorry a show of cattle as you 
could imagine we have known. Had Wood 
from Philadelphia to perform a few nights and 
he has acquitted himself admirably. I wish 
you had been here to get acquainted with him. 
He is a perfect gentleman in private life, and 
of the most amiable disposition and engaging 
manners. He has established a high reputa- 
tion here. 

Parker Hunt and the fair Clara, it is dis- 
covered were married in April last — at the 
house of your fair friend Moshes — I suppose 
of course you were in the feast. Old Jamey 
swears most horribly and so does his immacu- 
late though ancient spinster of a Sister that 
the match shall be annulled, because Jamey 
was frightened into it by the handsome 
pursuer threatening to blow out the small 

VOL. I — 2 ly 



NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 22^ 1810 

matter of brains he had in his head. Harry- 
Buckley endeavours to put on a bright face 
and laugh it off — but he cannot get further 
than a ghastly grin. 

The knowing ones are in fine order excepting 
little Sue who has had a sad inflammation in 
her eyes as a judgment from heaven on her for 
taking a jaunt on Long Island with that King 
of Beasts Dr. Romaine and his Buckram 
spouse. 

As I have but just two minutes left to 
walk half a mile to pay half an hour's visit to 
Ann & Charles I'll conclude by assurances of 
friendship and affection. 

Yours ever 
W. Irving. 



18 



CITY OF WASHINGTON, JAN. 13^]} 181 1 
City of Washington, J any. ij'- 181 1. 

DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I have been constantly intending to write 
to you, but you know the hurry and confusion 
of the life I at present lead, and the distrac- 
tion of thought which it occasions, and which 
is totally hostile to letter writing. The letter 
however which you have been so good as to 
write me demands a return of some kind or 
another, so I answer it, partly through a 
sense of duty and partly in hopes of inducing 
you to write another. My Journey to Balti- 
more was terrible and sublime — as full of 
adventurous matter and direful peril as one 
of Walter Scott's pantomimic, melodramatic, 
romantic tales. I was three days on the road, 
and slept one night in a Log house. Yet some- 
how or another I lived through it all — and 
lived merrily into the bargain, for which I 
thank a large stock of good humour which I 
put up before my departure from N. York, as 

travelling stores to last me throughout my 

19 



CITY OF WASHINGTON, JAN. 13^11 1811 

expedition. In a word, I left home deter- 
mined to be pleased with every thing, or if not 
pleased, to be amused, if I may be allowed the 
distinction, and I have hitherto kept to my 
V determination. To beguile the ruggedness & 
tediousness of the road between Phil* & 
Baltimore I had an old acquaintance in the 
stage with me — Lieut. Gibbon of the Navy — 
whom I was well acquainted with in Rich- 
mond — & who is a true gentleman sailor & a 
very amiable pleasant fellow. He entertained 
me two whole days with a minute and agree- 
ably related narration of the exploits of our 
little navy in the Meditterranean & particu- 
larly of the captivity of our officers in Tripoli — 
he having been one of the prisoners. I had a 
full and very entertaining account of all their 
misfortunes — plots — attempts at escape — 
pastimes, executions &c &c — with a very 
familiar picture of Tripoli and its inhabitants. 
All this was told with the simple frankness of 
a sailor & the liberal spirit of a gentleman. He 



CITY OF WASHINGTON, JAN. 13th 181 1 

passed but one night in Baltimore but I have 
met him several times in company in Washing- 
ton, where he is quite a favourite. 

I remained two days in Baltimore where I 
was very well treated and was just getting 
into very agreeable Society when the desire 
to get to Washington induced me to set off 
abruptly — deferring all enjoyment of Balti- 
more until my return. While there I dined 
with honest Coale — (whose sister, by the 
bye, verifies the assertion of Mrs. Hopkinson, 
that she is handsomer than her picture). At 
his table I found Jarvis, who is in great vogue 
in Baltimore — painting all the people of note 
& fashion, and universally passing for a great 
wit, a fellow of infinite jest; — in short — "/^g 
agreeable rattle." I am likewise waited on by 
Mr. Tezier, the French gentleman who has 
translated my history of N. Y. He is a very 
pleasant, gentlemanly fellow, and we were 
very civil to each other as you may suppose. 

He tells me he has sent his translation to 

21 



CITY OF WASHINGTON, JAN. 13^1 1811 

Paris, where I suspect they will understand & 
relish it about as much as they would a 
Scotch haggis & a singed sheepshead. 

The ride from Baltimore to Washington 
was still worse than the former one — but I 
had two or three odd geniuses for fellow 
passengers & made out to amuse myself very 
well. I arrived at the Inn about dusk and, 
understanding that Mrs. Madison was to 
have her levee or drawing room that very 
evening, I swore by all my gods, I would be 
there. But how? was the question. I h^d 
got away down into Georgetown, & the 
persons to whom my letters of introduction 
were directed lived all upon Capitol Hill about 
three miles off — while the President's house 
was exactly half way. Here was a nonplus, 
enough to startle any man of less enterprising 
spirit — but I had sworn to be there — and I 
determined to keep my oath, & like Caleb 
Quotem, to "have a place at the Review." 
So I mounted with a stout heart to my room, 



CITY OF WASHINGTON, JAN. 13th 181 1 

resolved to put on my pease blossoms & silk 
stockings, gird up my loins — sally forth on 
my expedition & like a vagabond Knight 
errant, trust to Providence for success and 
whole bones. Just as I descended from my 
attic chamber, full of this valorous spirit, I 
was met by my landlord, with whom, & the 
head waiter by the bye, I had held a private 
cabinet counsel on the subject. Bully Rook 
informed me that there was a party of gentle- 
men just going from the house, one of whom, 
Mr. Fontaine Maury of N. York, had offered 
his services to introdvice me to "the Sublime 
porte. " I cut one of my best opera flourishes, 
skipped into the dressing room, popped my 
head into the hands of a sanguinary Jacobini- 
cal barber, who carried havoc and desolation 
into the lower regions of my face, mowed down 
all the beard on one of my cheeks and laid the 
other in blood, like a conquered province — 
and thus like a second Banquo, with "twenty 

mortal murthers on my head," in a few 

23 



CITY OF WASHINGTON, JAN. 131!} 1811 

minutes I emerged from dirt & darkness into 
the blazing splendour of Mrs. Madison's 
Drawing room. Here I was most graciously 
received — found a crowded collection of great 
and little men, of ugly old women, and 
beautiful young ones — and in ten minutes was 
hand and glove with half the people in the 
assemblage. Mrs. Madison is a fine, portly, 
buxom dame — who has a smile & pleasant 
word for every body. Her sisters, Mrs. Cutts 
& Mrs. Washington are like the two Merry 
Wives of Windsor — but as to Jemmy Madi- 
son — ah! poor Jemmy! he is but a withered 
little apple-John. But of this no more — • 
perish the thought that would militate against 
sacred things — Mortals avaunt ! touch not the 
lord's anointed! 

Since that memorable evening I have been 
in a constant round of banquetting, revelling, 
and dancing — the Congress has been sitting 
with closed doors, so that I have not seen 

much of the wisdom of the Nation, but I have 

24 



CITY OF WASHINGTON, JAN. 13th 181 1 

had enough matter for observation & enter- 
tainment to last me a handful of months. 
I only want a chosen fellow like yourself to 
help me wonder, admire, and laugh — as it is I 
must endeavour to do these things as well as 
I can by myself. 

I am delightfully moored, "head & stern" 
in the family of John P. Van Ness — Brother 
of William P. He is an old friend of mine 
& insisted on my coming to his house the 
morning after my arrival. The family is very 
agreeable — Mrs. Van Ness is a pretty & 
pleasant little woman, & quite gay — then 
there are two pretty girls likewise — one a Miss 
Smith, clean from Long Island, her father 
being Member of Congress; she is a fine 
blooming country lass, and a great Belle 
here — you see I am in clover — happy dog! 
clever Jacob! & all that. 

The other evening at the City Assembly I 

was suddenly introduced to my cousin the 

congressman from Scaghticoke — and we forth- 

25 



CITY OF WASHINGTON, JAN. 13!^ 181 1 

with became two most loving friends. He 
is a goodhumoured fellow & with all a very- 
decent country member. He was so overjoyed 
at the happy coincident of our family compact, 
that he begged to introduce me to his friend 
M^ Simmons. This is a son of old Simmons of 
N. York of corpulent memory. By dint of 
steady attention to business — an honest char- 
acter & a faithful fagging at the heels of 
Congress he has risen to some post of consider- 
able emolument & respectability. Honest 
Simmons shook me heartily by the hand — 
professed himself always happy to see any 
body that came from New York — somehow 
or another it was natteral to him — being the 
place where he was first born. 

Mat Davis is here, and ' ' my brother George " 
into the bargain. Mat is endeavouring to 
obtain a deposit in the Mechanics Bank in 
case the U. S. Bank does not obtain a charter. 
Mat is as deep as usual — shakes his head and 

winks through his spectacles at everybody he 

26 



CITY OF WASHINGTON, JAN. 131!} 1811 

meets. He swore to me the other day — that 
he had not told anybody what his opinion 
was whether the Bank oiight to have a charter 
or not — nobody in Washington knew what his 
opinion was — not one — nobody — he defied 
any one to say what it was — "anybody — 
damn the one — no sir — nobody knows," — 
and if he had added nobody cares I beHeve 
honest Mat would have been exactly in the 
right. Then there's his Brother George — 
"damn that fellow — knows eight or nine lan- 
guages — yes, sir, — nine languages — ^Arabic — 
Spanish — Greek — Ital — and there's his wife 
— she & Mrs. Madison are always together — 
Mrs. Madison has taken a great fancy to her 
little daughter — only think sir, that little 
child is only six years old and talks the Italian 
like a book, by God — little devil learnt it all 
from an Italian servant — damned clever fellow 
— lived with my Brother George ten years — 
George says he would not part with him for 

all Tripoli," &c, &c, &c. 

27 



CITY OF WASHINGTON, JAN. 13th 1811 

I wish you would let me hear from you 
again. I shall remain some days yet at this 
place & when I leave my letters will be taken 
care of by Van Ness. 

I received a letter from Mrs. Hoffman the 
day before yesterday. I would have answered 
it, but have not time — this letter will do for her 
as well as yourself. It is now almost one 
o'clock at night — I must to bed — remember 
me to all the lads & lassies — Gertrude, Miss 
Wilkes and the Bonny lasses in Greenwich 
street, whose fair hands I kiss. 

I am my dear fellow 

Yours ever 

W. I. 



28 



WASHINGTON, FEBRUARY 7th 181 1 
Washington, Feb. 7- 1811. 

DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I am ashamed at not having answered your 
letter before, but indeed I am too much 
occupied & indeed distracted here by the 
multipHcity of objects before me, to write 
with any degree of coherency. 

I wish with all my heart you had come on 
with me, for my time has passed delightfully. 
I have become acquainted with almost every- 
body here, and find the most complete medley 
of character I ever mingled amongst. As I 
do not suffer party feelings to bias my mind I 
have associated with both parties — and have 
found worthy and intelligent men in both — 
with honest hearts, enlightened minds, gener- 
ous feelings and bitter prejudices. A free 
communication of this kind tends more than 
anything else to divest a man's mind of party 
bigotry; to make him regardless of those 
jaundiced representations of persons & things 

which he is too apt to have held up to him by 

29 



WASHINGTON, FEBRUARY 7th 181 1 

party writers, and to beget in him that can- 
did, tolerant, good natured habit of thinking, 
which I think every man that values his own 
comfort and utility should strive to cultivate. 

You would be amused were you to arrive 
here just now — to see the odd & heterogeneous 
circle of acquaintance I have formed. One 
day I am dining with a knot of honest, furious 
Federalists, who are damning all their oppo- 
nents as a set of consummate scoundrels, 
panders of Bonaparte, &c &c. The next day 
I dine perhaps with some of the very men I 
have heard thus anathematized, and find 
them equally honest, warm, & indignant — 
and if I take their word for it, I had been 
dining the day before with some of the greatest 
knaves in the nation, men absolutely paid & 
suborned by the British government. 

Among my great cronies is General Turreau 
— who, notwithstanding he is represented 
abroad as a perfect sanguinary ferocious blood- 
hound, I have found an exceeding pleasant 

30 



WASHINGTON, FEBRUARY 7th 181 1 

jocose companion, and a man of shrewdness, 
information & taste. Latrobe (who is ex- 
cessively abused here as an extravagant spend- 
thrift of the pubHc money, &c) is very civil to 
me. I have been to two or three entertain- 
ments at his house, & dine there today with a 
choice party of intelligent & agreeable men. 

To shew you the mode of life I lead, I give 
you my engagements for this week. On 
Monday I dined with the mess of Officers at 
the Barracks — in the evening a Ball at Van 
Ness's. On Tuesday with my cousin Knicker- 
bocker & several merry Federalists. On Wed- 
nesday I dined with General Turreau who 
had a very pleasant party of Frenchmen & 
democrats — in the evening at Mrs. Madison's 
levee, which was brilliant and crowded with 
interesting men & fine women. On Thursday 
a dinner at Latrobe's. On Friday a dinner at 
the Secretary of the Navy's, and in the evening 
a ball at the Mayor's. Saturday as yet is 

unengaged — at all these parties you meet with 

31 



WASHINGTON, FEBRUARY 7th 181 1 

so many intelligent people, that your mind is 
continually & delightfully exercised. 

The Supreme Court has likewise within a 
day or two brought a crowd of new strangers 
to the city. Jo. Ingersoll, Clement Biddle, 
Clymer, Goodloe Harper & several others 
have arrived — and one of your old flames Miss 
Keator, with whom Ingersoll is so much in 
love, as report says. There you see, my good 
fellow, how much you lost by turning back. 
This place would suit you to a fraction, as you 
could find company suitable to every varying 
mood of mind — and men capable of conversing 
and giving 3'^ou information on any subject 
you wish to be informed. I may compare a 
place like this to a huge library, where a man 
may turn to any department of knowledge he 
pleases, and find an author at hand into which 
he may dip until his curiosity is satisfied. 

What are you all doing at N York? I have 

not received a letter from there in an age. 

Do give me all the little chit chat of the town, 

32 



WASHINGTON, FEBRUARY 7th 181 1 

J 

and I give you leave to pen it as slovenly as 
you please — I send you this letter as a proof 
how carefully a man may write to his friends. 
I have written to my brothers repeatedly, 
but have received no answers. I am tired of 
this kind of correspondence where the writing 
is all on my side & I wish you would tell them 
so. I am rejoiced to hear you have shifted 
your quarters, and I make no doubt that you 
will be happier by the change. How do the 
Wilkeses? I am truly grieved to hear that my 
good friend Mr. Wilkes has been one of the 
sufferers in these hard times. How do the 
knowing ones? Their brave McPherson {the 
interesting young man who wore regimentals, 
played on the flute & wrote bad poetry) is 
here as evidence in the case of Wilkinson. 
I hope you visit them and do not suffer them 
to feel abandoned. 

How does Gertrude — Peter, Billy Taylor — 
Gilpin — old Konkapot curl? The King of 
Clouts &c &c &c wrote me three lines con- 

VOL. 1-3 33 



WASHINGTON, FEBRUARY 7th 181 1 

cerning each of them. I charge you — had 
you but seen how eagerly I devoured your 
last letter — how I read it over & over & 
chuckled & laughed over it — I am sure you 
would have sat down immediately & wrote me 
another. I find by the papers & various other 
ways, that a new council is formed & the 
feds are all to be swung off at Tyburn Hill. 
Boss & the Mayor, it is said, are very contrite 
& sue for mercy — but in vain — "they die at 
sun rise." 

Has Boss taken his flight to Philadelphia 
from the top of a steeple? As to Gill, he is 
like a little fat dunghill cock, that can't fly 
across the water — the Hudson I fear will be 
impassable to him this winter. 

How are you likely to make out in respect to 
the man that failed? I hope you feel yourself 
safe among the breakers. I understand there 
are two new Performers arrived — what kind 
of animals are they? Write to me imme- 
diately I beg of you. Give my love to Mrs. 

34 



WASHINGTON, FEBRUARY 7^^ 181 1 

Hoffman and the Kembles & all my other 
friends — not forgetting the lads. Tell my 
brothers that when I receive an answer to 
any one of the letters I have written, I will 
begin to write again — but if I do before 
damme. 

God bless you my dear fellow 

Yours ever 

W.I. 
P.S. Your opinion of Walsh's review meets 
mine exactly. I am much disappointed in it, 
on a fair reading I even think his letters con- 
cerning France & England much tinctured 
with prejudice — the whole however shows 
great literary power. 



.35 



WASHINGTON, MARCH sill 1811 
Washington, March 5- 1811. 

DEAR BREVOORT: — 

Your letter sometime since concerning the 
modern feast of the centaurs and Lapithse was 
truly heroic & historical, and I defy Dan 
Homer himself to present a more hideous 
battle than that of the puissant "King of 
Clouts." I received a letter yesterday from 
Peter the great who informed me of your 
recent trip to Phil-. I wonder much that 
you did not intimate something to me of such 
a movement, we might have calculated so as 
to meet there. 

I shall leave this city the day after to- 
morrow. I should have gone tomorrow but 
the stage books were full. You cannot imagine 
how forlorn this desert city appears to me, 
now the great tide of casual population has 
rolled away. The three or four last days 
have been quite melancholy. Having formed 
a great number of intimate and agreeable 

acquaintances, I have been continually taking 

36 



WASHINGTON, MARCH 5th 181 1 

leave of persons for whom I had contracted a 
regard, and who are dispersing to various 
parts of this immense country, without much 
chance of our ever meeting one another again. 
I think nothing would tempt me to remain 
again in Washington until the breaking up of 
Congress; unless I might start off with the 
first of the tide. I have been detained by- 
business at the comptroller's office, which 
after all has terminated unprofitably. I now 
begin to feel extremely anxious to be once 
more at home, and do not think I shall stop 
long by the way. I must, however, recon- 
noitre a little on our old seat of war at Phila- 
delphia and at least find out what you have 
been about in your late secret expedition to 
those parts. 

If you have not settled yourself permanently 
in lodgings at Mrs. Rumseys, I think you had 
better look out for a situation where the 
company will be more congenial to your taste 

& habits. As far as I recollect Mrs. R's 

37 



WASHINGTON, MARCH s^ 1811 

boarders are more to be admired for their 
talents at eating & drinking than anything 
else — as you are a man of very immovable 
disposition when you once locate yourself, 
it behooves you to be a little choice of the 
spot where you determine to take root. 

I beg you "as you are friend, scholar & 
soldier" to give me this poor request, that 
you would write to me immediately, a full 
and satisfactory letter, touching affairs in 
New York, and also touching your late ex- 
pedition to Phil*, in which expedition I am 
told you played Squire to the ex-Recorder. 
Do not fail to write, my good lad, for you 
cannot conceive how earnestly I covet another 
letter from you — direct to the care of Charles 
& Nichols. And let me find the letter at 
Phil^ when I arrive there. Let me know 
how you come on with the lads. Peter has 
hinted that he did not think the majestic Hen 
would ever find favour in your eyes, but Peter 

is a varlet and I cannot give my faith to his 

38 



WASHINGTON, MARCH 5th 181 1 

assertion. No — no — my dear Brevoort — the 
mind — the mind ! is what you must consult — 
and then thank heaven the diverse Hen was 
superior to "common ordinary mortals" — 
as my favourite poet says. 

I am writing most execrably flat — and to 
tell the truth am in a deplorable humdrum 
mood this morning — but allow — a few cracks 
of the whip & shifts of the wheel will change 
the scene — and a few more will bring me once 
more among my cronies. 

Give my love to all at Mrs. Hoffman's, the 
Kembles &c &c &c and so God Bless you all. 

W. Irving. 
P.S. About the time you receive this, I 
expect "my cousin" Knickerbocker will arrive 
in N. Y. I wish you would call at the City 
Hotel & look for him, and give him some 
attention among you; he is a right honest, 
sound hearted pleasant fellow. 



39 



PHILADELPHIA, MARCH 16^1 181 1 
Philadelphia, March 16- 1811. 

MY DEAR fellow: — 

I arrived in this city the day before yester- 
day, and was deHghted to find a letter from 
you, waiting for me on Charles' mantel-piece. 
I thank you for this mark of attention, & for 
the budget of amusing and interesting news 
you have furnished me with. I stopped but 
four days at Baltimore on my return; one of 
which I was confined at home by indisposition. 
The people of Baltimore are exceedingly 
social and very hospitable to strangers; and I 
saw that if I let myself once get into the 
stream, I should not be able to get out again 
under a fortnight at least; so being resolved 
to push homewards as expeditiously as was 
reasonably possible, I resisted the world, the 
flesh, and the devil at Baltimore; and after 
three days & nights' stout carousal, and a 
fourth's sickness, sorrow, and repentance, I 
hurried off from that sensual city. By the bye, 

that little "Hydra and chimera dire," Jarvis, 

40 



PHILADELPHIA, MARCH i6th 1811 

is in prodigious great circulation at Baltimore. 
The gentlemen have all voted him a rare wag 
and most brilliant wit; and the ladies pro- 
nounce him one of the queerest, ugliest, most 
agreeable little creatures in the world. The 
consequence is that there is not a ball, tea- 
party, concert, supper, or any other private 
regale, but that Jar\ds is the most conspicuous 
personage; and as to a dinner, they can no 
more do without him, than they could without 
Friar John at the roystering revels of the 
renowned Pantagruel. He is overwhelmed 
with business and pleasure, his pictures ad- 
mired and extolled to the skies, and his jokes 
industriously repeated and laughed at. . . . 

Jack Randolph was at Baltimore for a day 
or two after my arrival. He sat to Jarvis for a 
likeness for one of the Ridgeley's, and con- 
sented that I should have a copy. I am in 
hopes of receiving it before I leave Philadel- 
phia, and of bringing it home with me. . . . 

I was out visiting with Ann yesterday, and 
41 



PHILADELPHIA, MARCH i6«i 1811 

met that little assemblage of smiles and fas- 
cinations, Mary Jackson. She was bounding 
with youth, health and innocence, and good 
humor. She had a pretty straw hat tied 
under her chin with a pink ribbon, and looked 
like some little woodland nymph, just lured 
out by spring and fine weather. God bless 
her light heart, & grant that it may never 
know care or sorrow! it's enough to cure 
spleen and melancholy only to look at her. 

Your familiar pictures of home make me 
extremely desirous again to be there. It will 
be impossible, however, to get away from the 
kind attentions of our friends in this city, 
until some time next week, perhaps towards 
the latter end, when I shall once more return 
to sober life, satisfied with having secured 
three months of sunshine in this valley of 
shadows and darkness. 

I rejoice to hear of the approaching nuptials 

of our redoubtable Highland chieftain, and 

hope you are preparing a grand Epithalamium 

42 



PHILADELPHIA, MARCH i6th 1811 

for the joyful occasion. Remember me affec- 
tionately to the Hoffmans, Kembles, etc. 

Yours ever 

W. IrvinGo 



43 



PHILADELPHIA, MARCH iSt^ 1811 

PhWi March 18'-^ 1811. 
DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I write this letter merely to introduce to 
you Mr. Wm. Rogers of Rhode Island; who 
will be a fellow lodger of yours. I have seen 
considerable of him at Washington, Balti- 
more &c and am much pleased with him. 
Make him acquainted with Peter, Jim &c — 
and at Mrs. Hoffmans, the Lads or wherever 
you may be visiting — I am sure you will be 
pleased with him — ask him to ride Amy 
Darden's horse for you a little — I shall be 
with you in a few days, and then we will look 
out for Gouv and prepare for the captain's 
Hymeneals. 

Yours ever 
W.L 



44 



PHILADELPHIA, APRIL ii* 1811 
PM? April 11'^ 1811. 

DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I have neglected answering your letter 
from an expectation that I should have been 
home before this; but I have suffered day 
after day to slip by, and here I still am, in 
much the same mood as you are when in bed 
of a fine genial morning endeavouring to 
prolong the indolent enjoyment, to indulge 
in another doze, and renew those delicious 
half waking dreams that give one an idea of a 
Mussulman's paradise. I have for a few 
months past led such a pleasant life, that I 
almost shrink from awakening from it into 
the commonplace round of regular existence — 
" but this eternal blazon must not be" (Shake- 
speare) so in two or three days I'll gird up my 
loins, take staff in hand and return to the 
land of my fathers. To tell the truth I have 
been induced to stay a day or two longer than 
I otherwise would have done, to have the 
gratification of seeing Cooke in Kitely & Lear ; 

45 



PHILADELPHIA, APRIL iitJ} 1811 

the first he plays to night, the other on 
Wednesday. The old fellow is in great repute 
here, and draws excellent houses. I stopped 
in accidentally at the theatre a few evenings 
since, when he was playing Macbeth; not 
expecting to receive any pleasure, for you 
recollect he performed it very indifferently in 
New York. I entered just at the time when 
he was meditating the murder, and I remained 
to the end of the play in a state of admiration 
and delight. The old boy absolutely outdid 
himself — his dagger scene, his entrance to 
Duncan's chamber & his horror after the 
commission of the deed completed a dramatic 
action that I shall never forget as long as I 
live — it was sublime. I place the perfor- 
mance of that evening among the highest 
pieces of acting I have ever witnessed — ^you 
know I had before considered Cooper as much 
superiour to him in Macbeth, but on this 
occasion the character made more impression 

on me than when played by Cooper or even 

46 



PHILADELPHIA, APRIL iitli 1811 

Kemble. The more I see of Cooke the more 
I admire his style of acting — he is very un- 
equal, from his irregular habits and nervous 
affections — for when he is in proper mood, 
there is a truth and of course a simplicity in 
his performances that throws all rant, stage 
trick & stage effect completely in the back- 
ground. Were he to remain here a sufficient 
time for the public to perceive & dwell upon 
his merits and the true character of his play- 
ing, he would produce a new taste in acting. 
One of his best performances may be compared 
to a masterpiece of ancient statuary; where 
you have the human figure destitute of idle 
ornament, depending upon the truth of Ana- 
tomical proportion and arrangement, the 
accuracy of character and gracefulness of 
composition — in short a simple display of 
nature. Such a production requires the eye 
of taste & knowledge to perceive its eminent 
excellences; whereas a vulgar spectator will 
turn from it to be enraptured with some 

47 



PHILADELPHIA, APRIL iitJ} 1811 

bungling workmanship, loaded with finery & 
drapery, and all the garish ornaments in which 
unskillfulness takes refuge. 

Sully has finished a very fine and careful 
portrait of Cooke — and has begun a full 
length picture of him in the character of 
Richard. This he is to receive 300$ for from 
the gentlemen of Phil^ who opened a sub- 
scription for the purpose, which was filled 
up in an hour. The picture is to be placed 
in the Academy of Arts. 

I rode out yesterday to your country seat 
in the neighbourhood of this city. It is in a 
state of great neglect & very much out of 
order — I would advise you to see it without 
delay. 
^ Walsh's 2d number will be out in two or 
three days; I have seen it, but have not 
had time to read more than a few pages 
of a masterly review of Hamilton's works. 
I think the number will do him great 
credit. 

4S 



PHILADELPHIA, APRIL iiih iSii 

Give my love to all who love me and 
remember me kindly to the rest. 

Yours truly 
W.L 



49 



NEW YORK, MAY 15th 181 1 

New York, May i$- 1811. 

DEAR BREVOORT: — 

The Great Mandarian has just informed me 
that there willbe an opportunity to forward 
a letter to you on friday, so my dear Boy, 
though hurried aknost unto death, yet I will 
endeavour to indite a little epistle which may 
follow you even unto your savage haunts, and 
be as welcome to your fainting spirits, as was 
a drop of water to Hagar of yore, when droop- 
ing in the wilderness. Since you left us, I 
have been a mere animal; working among 
hardware & cutlery. We have been moving 
the store, & I (my pen weeps at the very 
thought of it) have had, in this time of hurry 
and confusion, to lend all the assistance in 
my power, and bend my indolent & restive 
habits, to the plodding routine of traffic. But 
this is only a temporary sacrifice. Shut your 
eyes, oh, ye blessed Muses, lest ye afterwards 
look upon me with scorn ! By all the martyrs 

of Grubstreet, I'd sooner live in a garret, & 

50 



NEW YORK, MAY i6^ 1811 

starve into the bargain, than follow so sordid, 
dusty, soul killing a way of life; though 
certain it would make me as rich as Old 
Croesus, or John Jacob Astor himself. 

I am in quiet possession of your room, and 
am very much pleased with my situation. 
Mine host & his wife are a very obliging agree- 
able couple. I hope you will be induced to 
take up your quarters with us when you return. 
You need not fear shocking the feelings of Mrs. 
Rumsey, as she expects it. 

Charles and Ann arrived here last evening. 
They are both hearty, and their little girl more 
beautiful than ever. 

May 16'^. I was interrupted in this letter 
yesterday. Last evening I was at a tea party 
at Mrs. Hoffmans — rather a stupid one — the 
piano was out of tune & they had been 
unable to get it put in order, so we were dis- 
appointed in the Musical treat we had prom- 
ised ourselves — Charles sung one or two songs 

51 



NEW YORK, MAY i6«^ 1811 

without accompanyment. Your Sister was 

there. She came in town the evening before, 

to go to the play with Mrs. Renwick at whose 

house she is on a visit of two or three days. 

She is quite a favourite with the Bonny 

Widow. 

I have scarcely seen anything of the Lads 

since your departure, business and an amazing 

want of inclination has kept me from their 

threshold. Jim, that sly poacher, however, 

prowls about there, and vitrifies his heart by 

the furnace of their charms. I accompanied 

him there on Sunday evening last, and found 

the Lads & Miss Knox with them. Sue was 

in great spirits, and played the Sparkler with 

such great success as to silence the whole of us 

excepting Jim — who was the agreeable rattle 

of the evening. — God defend me from such 

vivacity as hers, in future. Such smart 

speeches without point or meaning — such 

bubble & squeak nonsense. I'd as leave stand 

by a frying pan for an hour and listen to the 

52 



NEW YORK, MAY i6^ 1811 

cooking of apple fritters. After two hours 
dead silence & suffering on my part I made out 
to drag Jim off, and did not stop running 
until I was a mile from the house — I have not 
been able to go there since — but I hope the 
humour will return again. All this entre nous. 

The Heir Apparent is in close siege of the 
little Heiress near the park; with the whole 
influence of Pistareen Johns family opposed to 
him. Peter has been obliged to lay by his 
buckram dignity and bow to Belial, or what is 
the same thing — to shake hands with Alex 
Stewart. Whether he will carry his point or 
not is a matter of very great doubt to me, as 
Peter is very much given to play truant from 
his post, and run after sundry little damsels 
about the city. Little Miss Gouvemeur; the 
Little Macombs of Bellville, &c, &c have at 
different times seduced him from his allegiance 
— and in two days philandering he has lost the 
headway of a fortnight courtship. 

The noble captain was married shortly after 

53 



NEW YORK, MAY 16*^ 181 1 

your departure, and immediately fled with his 
turtle dove to the groves. I have bet a coat 
with John King that he would have occasion 
for a nursery within two years, and I feel no 
apprehension of losing. 

Mrs. Golden has lately been to Phil? with 
Alice Ann and the fair Angelica & her Sisters. 
Mrs. C. returned a few days since and left 
Angelica & Julia there, where I am told they 
are making sad havoc among the Beaux. 
Mrs. C. gave a tea party on her return, by way 
no doubt of a rejoicing. I was there, and 
made my entry in the back room, where I 
found Peter in full blast of gallantry & elo- 
quence, with a fan in one hand and nosegay 
in the other, declaiming in a true Will Honey- 
comb style to a knot of little blossoms; one 
of whom I soon found out was little Miss 
Beach. Among the other turtles who were 
pairing at this convocation was Old Satan and 
Mary Fairlie. It would have amused you 

to see Cooper playing softness and suavity. 

54 



NEW YORK, MAY i^^ 1811 

The Divine Kitty was likewise there, but I 
bethought me of the Smoky Chimney, and 
kept at a wary distance. 

May ly. The arrival of Ann & Charles has 
been the signal for a host of little rascally 
tea parties; There was one at the Douglas 
last evening, — ^but I swore off & went to the 
theatre. Your Sister Margaret went there 
under the protection of Mrs. Renwick. I 
can't stomach these omnipresent Douglasses 
— they break in every where, with such a troop 
of retainers & mosstroopers at their heels that 
I should be fearful of relapsing into barbarism 
in their society. And then there is Cousin 
Betsy — riggd out in fierce blue silks with 
diamond necklace, breastpins, broaches, ear- 
rings bobbs & three score rings on each finger, 
that I never see her without thinking of some 
of the eminent pawnbrokers ladies I have 
seen in London. 

Sam Swartwout arrived from England a few 
55 



NEW YORK, MAY ij^l 1811 

days since, as rugged & hearty as ever I saw 
him. Cooke & Cooper have been playing 
together for several nights the old fellow's 
lago was admirable & threw Othello in the 
background in my opinion. He has however 
been sick & himibled & reduced most con- 
foundedly so that the second time he played 
lago he was comparatively languid. Cooper 
has not used him quite fairly I think. He got 
up Alexander the great that he might rant- 
about in fine clothes & Old Cooke be sunk in 
the inferior part of Clytus. The Old Boy 
however, in the two or three passages where 
he had a chance, came out nobly and received 
great applause. As to Cooper he was so 
hugely begilt and betinselld, that the finery 
outdazzled itself, and he looked not unlike 
a pyramid of macaroons, bedizzened with 
sugar candy. 

Last night nothing would serve Cooper but 
he must have the play of the fair penitent, 

though several remonstrated with him and 

56 



NEW YORK, MAY 17'Jl 18 11 

numerous parties of ladies declined going. 
Cooper however, was bent upon playing up to 
Old Cooke in Lothario. Here he was sadly 
disappointed. His Lothario has become [a] 
terrible formal heavy fine gentleman & in the 
scene between him & Horatio Old Cooke com- 
pletely bore away the palm, receiving applause 
at every speech, while Cooper was not cheered 
by a single clap. On Monday they play 
Pierre & Jaffier on Wednesday Cooke plays 
King John for his benefit to Coopers Faulcon- 
bridge. On friday they conclude by a repe- 
tition of Othello — & then adieu to the theatre. 
We received long letters from Little Johnny 
Fig a few days since. He has been a cocao 
planter in Trinadad, and writes in great spirits 
— by his account he is likely to do very well. 
A gentleman of property has befriended him — 
and advances all the funds, purchases the 
plantation negroes, &c & John is to receive 
half the profits for his attention and labour in 

superintending & managing it. 

57 



NEW YORK, MAY 17^ 181 1 

I am languishing to return to my books and 
my pen, but this moving of Merchandize and 
the attendant hurry has completely broken 
in upon my time and habits — I hope, however 
to begin next week well, and once started, I 
feel certain I shall go on prosperously. Had 
I my choice I would go into the country, and 
busy myself among the groves for the whole 
summer, but I rather think I shall pass the 
greatest part of it in the city. 

I rode out to Mrs. Renwicks place yester- 
day & walked over the Scenes of last Summers 
pastimes — but some how or another my mind 
was so bewildered & poisoned by worldly 
thoughts and cares that the sweet face of 
Nature had not its usual effect upon my feel- 
ings. I'm weary of company & dissipation — 
I have gone through such a variety this last 
winter, that I am perfectly sated for the pre- 
sent ; and feel no disposition to visit or mingle 
in any scene of amusement. I'd give any- 
thing to be accompanying you through the 

58 



NEW YORK, MAY 17^1 181 1 

sublime solitudes of our Savage country. 

I feel as if I could sit for hours and muse 

deliciously on the borders of one of our vast 

lakes — or on the summit of one of our solitary 

promontorys in the highlands as I did last 

summer. Or in fact any where where I had 

not to listen to the tedious commonplace of 

fashionable society — and had some of the 

grand scenes of nature to occupy my mind. 

I have been mingling in company for some 

days past, without any soul or spirit — a mere 

vacant carcass of a man — sunk in apathy & 

indifference. Not that I feel anything like 

gloom or ill hiimour — it is a languor of the 

mind — or rather my mind is tired of being 

mocked with trifles & mere amusement, and 

craves food, occupation, and its own society. 

This makes me restless and unsatisfied, 

though surrounded with pleasure. As I know 

the malady however I feel no fear of speedily 

curing it. 

McGillivray and the honest, hard favoured 
59 



NEW YORK, MAY 17^^ 181 1 

James Cameron arrived here a few days since, 
and the former will probably hand you this 
letter. I have I believe written pretty nearly 
all I have to say — and this letter is made up 
of such trifling chit chat and such trifling 
topics that I should be ashamed to send it to 
any body but yourself. You may see from 
the tenor of it, in how slip slop a manner I have 
been passing my time. But this is transient 
& temporary prodigality of life & talent — I 
will make up for it all, when I turn to busy 
occupation. 

I expected to have heard from you before 
this, but I find nobody has had a line from 
you, but Dashwood, so I shant complain. 
God bless you my dear fellow and keep you 
sound, prosperous & happy. 

Affectionately yours 

W. Irving. 



60 



NEW YORK, JUNE 8^± 1811 

New York, June 8- 181 1. 

DEAR BREVOORT: — 

L'Herbette has just informed me of an op- 
portunity which departs today of writing to 
you. I am half incHned not to use it, as you 
remained several days at Montreal without 
writing me a line, though Judge Ogdens fam- 
ily afforded a certain and speedy conveyance. 
I wrote you a long letter by McGillivray 
which I suppose you have received. Noth- 
ing of particular moment has happened since 
the writing of that epistle excepting the ar- 
rival of the most noble Patroon, who has 
once more resumed his sway over the club. 
Gouv has had a long and boisterous voyage 
in an old leaky hulk of a british ship, with a 
mutinous crew and a nincompoop Captain. 
He & Ben Seaman were so tired of their ship 
that they quit her about 150 miles from land 
& got on board a coaster by which after being 
tossed about 4 days they were landed at 

Folly landing in Virginia & got home in a 

61 



NEW YORK, JUNE 81^ 1811 

week more; having by this short cut, arrived 
here in little more than 8 days after the ship, 
which made the light house in 20 hours after 
they quit her. Gouv has now been home three 
or four days, and has already become so 
regular, and domestic, and has fallen so exactly 
into his old habits, that it begins to seem as if 
he had never been away from us. I never 
knew a fellow so little changed by European 
travelling. His looks too are much the same, 
excepting that he is a little sunburnt, but he 
is still as spare and gaunt as a greyhound. 
Since his return we have treated Peter, the 
late Prince Regent, with great contempt, and 
take all possible occasions to flout him. . . . 
Peter however consoles himself by courting 
all the little girls in town, who are under 
sixteen; for you must know this old lecher 
has become so dainty and sickly in his pal- 
ate,- that nothing will go down with him but 
your squab pidgeons and your first weeks 

green pease. . . . He reminds me most 

62 



NEW YORK, JUNE 8^ 1811 

powerfully of the old duke of Queensbury 

whom I used, to see, wheeled out in his easy 

chair, to the porch before his door, that he 

might -Ogle the wenches as they passed by. 

But Peter is a "Dam rascal" and there's an 

end of it. 

As to the Lads I have seen them but once 

or twice since that memorable evening of which 

I wrote you. I passed an evening with them 

about a week ago at Miss Wilkes, and as they 

did not attempt to sparkle, they did very well. 

But I am weary of gossipping, and have almost 

entirely left off visiting for some time past; 

it will become amusing again by next fall. I 

do want most deploreably to apply my mind 

to something that will arrouse and animate it ; 

for at present it is very indolent & relaxed; 

and I find it extremely difficult to shake off the 

lethargy that enthrals it. This makes me 

restless and dissatisfied with myself, and I 

am convinced I shall not feel comfortable & 

contented until my mind is fully employed. 

63 



NEW YORK, JUNE 8* 1811 

Pleasure is but a transient stimulus, and leaves 
the mind more enfeebled than before; give 
me rugged toil, fierce disputation, wrangling 
controversy, harrassing research, give me 
anything that calls forth the energies of the 
mind, but for heavens sake shield me from 
those calms, those tranquil slumberings, those 
ennervating triflings, those syren blandish- 
ments that I have for some time indulged in, 
which lull the mind into complete inaction, 
which benimib its powers, and cost it such 
painful & humiliating struggles to regain its 
activity and independence. 

I am ashamed to say that I have not been 
out to your father's since your departure. I 
have however frequently seen Margaret at 
M" Renwicks, with whom she is a great 
favourite; and who is a friend worthy of her 
cultivating. Your family I believe are all 
well; I suppose L'Herbette will give you 
particular accounts of them. 

Cooke & Cooper played here several nights 
64 



NEW YORK, JUNE 8^ 1811 

to very good houses and are now performing 
at Baltimore. Since their Departure, King 
Rusher kindly gave Duryea six nights en- 
gagement; during which time he played as 
might be expected to empty boxes, and will 
probably clear 50 Dollars by his engag* 
Write to me by the first opportunity & believe 
me, ever 

Yours truly 

W. Irving. 



65 



NEW YORK, AUGUST [?] 1811 

New York, Atigust [?] 181 1. 

DEAR BREVOORT: — 

Dennis has come home laden with anec- 
dotes of your expedition, and yourself. Ac- 
cording to his account you landed safely on 
your head at Benny Cornwalls at seven in the 
evening & flourished your heels in the air for 
joy. He relates long conversations which he 
has had with you about the fair Julia besides 
several tender things which you said in your 
sleep ; from all that I can learn, you must have 
rehearsed some of the capers that the re- 
nowned hero of LaMancha cut in the moun- 
tains, and sent Dennis as your discreet & 
faithful Squire, to report them to Dulcinea. 
Dennis Sampayo (a Portuguese) has fairly 
knocked March's Brains out with a Quotation; 
and turned our house perfectly up side down 
with laughter at his good speeches. I ques- 
tion whether the sage Panza ever occasioned 
more jollity in the Duke's household than 
Dennis did this afternoon among the gentle- 

66 



NEW YORK, AUGUST [?] 1811 

men of the Supper Room. Poor Mrs. Bradish 
was nearly annihilated by the shouts of able 
bodied laughter from that fat Varlet March. 
Dennis informs us that he and you keep a 
journal which is so exquisitely humourous 
that Mrs. Cooper on only looking at the first 
word fell into a fit of laughing that lasted half 
an hour. We look forward with vast expecta- 
tions to the perusal of this manuscript. 

We all sent an Invitation in form to the 
Commodore & his lady to dine with us this 
afternoon but they declined on account of the 
heat of the day & invited us to tea & gin in the 
evening. We went over there in full force & 
passed a very pleasant evening. They dine 
with us tomorrow. 

Monday Morning. I have laid out your 

spy glass, boots, chessmen &c. & had thoughts 

of sending all the other nicknacks I could find 

in your draws; but had thought it best to 

reserve the rest until you have tired yourself 

with these. The flute is not in the draw; for 

67 



NEW YORK, AUGUST [?] 1811 

Avhich I am very glad — I do not think it would 
be an innocent amusement for you; as no 
man has a right to entertain himself at the 
expense of others. Dennis is full of business. 
He has to bustle out to your sisters — then 
to Mrs. Cooper then home & then the Lord 
knows where — it is a proud day for Dennis. 

He mentioned as a great mark of Mrs. 
Cooper's politeness that she told him on their 
ride up, "Dennis don't be so bashful or con- 
strained, if you feel sleepy take a nap when- 
ever you please." We all assured him that such 
vast indulgence could only be in consequence 
of his having made himself wonderfully agree- 
able. I beg if you make any stay you would 
contrive to dispatch Dennis up to town from 
time to time to report progress; he has given 
the household a good month's laughter in the 
course of a hand full of hours. Don't omit 
to keep him at his studies of Shakespeare — he 
hints that Cooper begins to be a little jealous 
of his dramatic powers. 

68 



NEW YORK, AUGUST [?] 1811 

I should like to pay Rockaway a visit this 
week, but I have allowed the little major to 
take a holiday & go to the country with his 
wife & little Trudgens & must play merchant 
for a few days. 

My horse is doing well & according to 
Patrick's account eats his oats like a Gentle- 
man. 

Yours truly 
W. I. 



69 



NEW YORK, MARCH 17th 181 2 



New York, March if- 1812. 

DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I write this letter in haste, merely to apprise 
you of the development of Henry's real char- 
acter and schemes, which have come to light 
since your departure. Perhaps he may have 
told his own story to you, in his own way, 
but from the full disclosures he has made to 
our Government, & which have been pub- 
lished, there is but one opinion here, which is, 
that Henry is an unprincipled and dangerous 
character. By his own account he has been 
prowling about this country as a British spy, 
& was employed by Mr. Craig in 1809 to 
visit the Eastern States, ascertain the state of 
politics, and if there was any disposition to 
rise in opposition to the General Gov* in 
case of a continuance of the Embargo; and 
if so, to offer the assistance of the British. 

This righteous mission was rendered unne- 

70 



NEW YORK, MARCH I7«i 1812 

cessary by the arrangement of Erskine. Henry 
has been disappointed in his hopes of recom- 
pense from the British Ministry, and partly 
out of revenge, and partly as it is said, on 
conditions of a large douceur & assurance of 
personal protection, has revealed the whole 
affair to our Government. I do not pretend 
to enter into the particulars of the transaction, 
you will doubtless hear it at large from other 
quarters. I only write in haste and anxiety, 
to charge you at once to break off from 
this dangerous man. How far his true 
history may yet be known, or how far he 
may have completed the desperate game he 
is evidently playing — it is impossible even 
to conjecture; but he is evidently a man far 
gone in the dark paths of deception and per- 
fidy, and now that the mask is pulled off, may 
become bold faced and unhesitating in his 
enterprises. 

I have been to all the editors, and prevented 

your name from being mentioned as fellow 

71 



NEW YORK, MARCH 17* 18 12 

passenger &c &c. Zachy Lewis had already 
mentioned you as one of the bearers of dis- 
patches and Lang was laying his finger beside 
his nose, and knowingly inserting the initial 
of your name. This, however, was before 
Henry's affair was known. Since then, though 
the papers have been full of him & his mysteri- 
ous departure, they have faithfully kept their 
words and not mentioned you. I feel ex- 
tremely for the pain that this discovery will 
give you, for it is always a horrible shock to 
the heart to find we have been placing con- 
fidence and friendship in a deceitful & worth- 
less character. 

I have not been very well since your depar- 
ture, and am completely out of Spirits, I do 
miss you terribly. I dined yesterday with a 
small party at Mrs. Renwicks and was at a 
tea party in the evening, and yet passed one 
of the heaviest days I have toiled through this 
long time. 

Your commission has arrived from the 



NEW YORK, MARCH 17th 1812 

Governor and I will forward it to you by one 
of the present opportunities. 
Your family are all well. 

God Bless you my dear fellow. 

Yours ever 

W.I. 



73 



NEW YORK, MARCH 29111 1812 

New York, March 2Q- 1812. 
{Excerpt from a missing letter of Irving to 
Brevoort) . 
I have been so much occupied of late, partly 
by a severe indisposition of my good old 
mother (who has, however, recovered), and 
partly by my History, that I have not had time 
to write you a letter worth reading. I will 
atone for it hereafter. I have concluded my 
bargain with Inskeep and am about publish- 
ing. I receive 1,200$ at six months for an 
edition of 1,500 copies. He takes all the 
expense of printing, etc., on himself. 



74 



NEW YORK, JULY 8'Jl 1812 

New York, July 8- 1812. 

DEAR BREVOORT: — 

The unsettled state of the times, and the 
uncertainties of your movements almost dis- 
courage me from writing to you, lest my letter 
should never come to hand — which, consider- 
ing the great aversion I have to letter writing 
and the great trouble it costs me to manufac- 
ture an epistle, would be a vast deal of labour 
thrown away. But I will now draw my bow 
at random and trust to providence that my 
shot may reach you. 

I am at present rusticating at a little snug 
retreat about six miles and half from town, 
on one of the hills just opposite Hellgate, and 
within a stone's throw of William Paulding's 
country seat. I am very pleasantly lodged in 
a French family, with a wood around me and 
a beautiful peep at the sound. Here I have 
settled myself for the summer & part of the 
fall to read, and, if it please heaven and the 

muse, to write. I have a very pleasant 

75 



NEW YORK, JULY 8th 1812 

neighbourhood — the Rhinelanders & Gracies 
living within ten minutes walk of me. I 
intend, however, in the course of three or four 
weeks, to voyage up the Hudson and see 
the fair nymphs of the Ferry House. Those 
exquisite creatures left town about a fortnight 
since, and took Miss Dallas with them. She 
had been about three weeks in N York, and 
had made great havoc round her. The heir 
apparent, that liquorish young rogue, having 
just crawled out of the powthering tub, and 
being well primed with Mercury — was among 
the first to feel the force of her charms; and 
followed faithfully in her train to the very last 
— not without suffering greatly from sundry 
long walks of hot days, which put him back 
very much in his complaint. The very day 
they left town he departed for the Highlands, 
where he and the Captain are two to two, 
drinking Madera, discussing politics and 
morals, and both disputing very positively 
on the same side of the question. 



NEW YORK, JULY 8^± 1812 

As to the Captain he has taken me in for a 
coat, as I see no hopes of an increase to his 
family, and my bet with John King will fall 
due next spring. I have no chance for some 
months at least as the Captain is so down 
& out with war, that I do not believe he has 
animal spirits enough to go through the neces- 
sary operations. 

I am extremely anxious to hear how you 
conducted in respect to Henry. I was very 
fearful that he might be able by some plausible 
story told in his plausible manner, to glaze 
over his conduct and interest your sympathy 
in his favour. In the United States there is 
but one sentiment respecting him ; that of the 
most thorough contempt. He is regarded as 
an unprincipled adventurer, with shewy but 
superficial talents and more cunning than 
wisdom. I hope the letters I wrote to you 
had their proper effect in detaching you from 
him entirely and immediately. 

I have not seen your parents for some time 



NEW YORK, JULY 8^Ji 1S12 

past. The distance I live from town makes it 
inconvenient for me to call there, particularly 
as I do not keep a horse, and have to depend 
upon chance conveyances to the city. I saw 
Margaret lately at Mrs. Renwick's. She in- 
forms me that Miss John has returned from 
Canada, having, according to David Ogden's 
account, learnt all that it was possible for 
mortal man to learn in his situation. I mean 
to call in the course of a day or two and see 
how the young gentleman talks and looks 
after his travels. 

The marriage has at last taken place be- 
tween Mary F[airlie] and Cooper. They 
were married at his new house. Neither Mr. 
nor Mrs. F. were present, nor any one except- 
ing King Stephen and his spouse. After the 
ceremony was performed Cooper attended her 
home and left her — and two or three days later 
they set off to Baltimore. The old Major was 
worried into a kind of half consent. That is 

to say, if the girl could not be happy without 

78 



NEW YORK, JULY 8^^ 1812 

it, why, he supposed it must take place. 
Cooper has been applying for a Lieut. Col- 
onelcy or a Majority in the army; but I 
believe he's not succeeded. I was told yester- 
day that they had returned home again. 
Such is the end of a dismal courtship and the 
commencement I fear of an unhappy union. 

I hinted in the former part of my letter that 
the heir apparent had not been in the powther- 
ing tub; but I did not consider that this 
misfortune had happened to him since your 
departure. I don't know but that part of the 
sin lies at your door, for I believe it was from 
one of your virgins that he received the bless- 
ing. I was for some time at a loss what to 
make of the little man's manoeuvres. He 
would have a large tub of hot water brought 
into his room and then shut himself up for an 
hour with his man Torey, as if he was intent 
upon some informal initiations. I happened 
to enter his room abruptly one morning, and 
caught him in qiierpo in the middle of this 



NEW YORK, JULY S^h 1812 

narrative up to his chin in hot water. I 
immediately concluded Peter must be suffer- 
ing under a fit of the Hypo. — fancying him- 
self a green turtle keeping up for a corporation 
feast, and that I was an Alderman come to 
inspect his condition. I expected every mo- 
ment to see him dive to the bottom of his 
kraal. He has had a very long siege of it, 
but is now almost thoroughly recovered. He 
might have been well long since ; but the little 
bellipotent knave cannot help toying occa- 
sionally with his bottle. 

We had the magnaminous little Dr. Earle 
here some short time since ; and determined to 
shew him the glories of our Island. To which 
end we embarked six of us in a coach, like 
so many jolly captains of vessels just landed, 
and took a day's journey round the Island. 
We dined at Manhattanville, and passed one 
of the merriest days I have spent for a long 
while. Indeed we have had three or four 

warm days work of late, that reminded me 

80 



NEW YORK, JULY SMi 1812 

very much of old times. The fourth of June 
we dined at Captain Philips and all got 
very much convived by wine & wassel, 
what between the wine and the song of 
Rule Britannia the captain got into a com- 
plete extacy — from thence we adjourned to 
Battins — and finished the evening by Jim's 
singing under the fair Julia's window, an 
old song travestied and most horribly out of 
tune. 

A few days after Gen. Peter George Dallas 
of Phil^ & myself dined on board the Presi- 
dent with the officers in the ward room. We 
had a most convivial time, but sat so late 
that we could not go on shore that night — and 
the next day we were kept on board by a 
perfect storm of wind & rain until evening. 
I believe the ward room wont forget the rouse 
we gave it for some time to come. The frigate 
is in excellent order. The officers are a set of 
very fine gallant young fellows, and I have no 
doubt if a proper opportunity presents will 



NEW YORK, JULY S^h 1812 

acquit themselves handsomely. But I look 
upon their fate as desperate, in a war with 
England. 

The little Taylor has been here and passed 
some time since your departure. She is a 
delightful little creature, but alas, my dear 
Hal, she has not the pewter, as the sage Peter 
says. As to beauty, what is it " but a flower ! ' ' 
Handsome is that handsome has, — is the 
modern maxim. Therefore, little Taylor, 
"though thy little finger be armed in a 
thimble," yet will I set thee at defiance. In 
a word, she is like an ortolan, too rare and 
costly a dainty for a poor man to afford, but 
were I a nabob, 'fore George, ortolans should 
be my only food. 

As I rode into town the other day, I had 

nearly ran down the fair Maria M re. I 

immediately thought of your sudden admira- 
tion for her, which seemed to spring up rather 
late in the season, like strawberries in the fall 

— when every other swain's passion had died 

82 



NEW YORK, JULY 8^^ 1812 

a natural & lingering death. The fair Maria 
(for almighty truth will out) begins in my eyes 
to look, as that venerable Frenchman Todd 

would say — D d stringy. She has been 

acting very much the part of the dog in the 
manger — she cannot enjoy her own chastity 
but seems unwilling to let anybody else do it. 
There certainly is a selfish pleasure in possess- 
ing a thing which is exclusively oiu* own and 
which we see everybody around us coveting. 
And this may be the reason why we sometimes 
behold very beautiful women maintaining re- 
solute possession of their charms — and what 
makes me think this must be the reason is that 
in proportion as these women grow old, and 
the world ceases to long after their treasures, 
they seem the most ready to part with them, 
until they at length seem ready to sacrifice 
them to the first bidder, and even to impor- 
tune you to take them off their hands. This 
however I hope and believe will never be the 

case with the fair Maria, who, thanks to her 

83 



NEW YORK, JULY S^Ji 1812 

cool temperament can still pass on "in maiden 
meditation, fancy free." 

I forgot to mention that I received your 
letter just after your arrival in Paris, and 
giving an account of your journey thither. 
I hope you may have found your other excur- 
sions in France equally agreeable. This war 
completely shuts up all my prospects of 
visiting Europe for some time to come; 
though I must confess I am so well pleased 
with home that I have no great desire at 
present to leave it. Travelling is a convenient 
alternative to resort to, when we begin to 
grow sated with objects around us, and require 
to be stimulated by novelty and variety. I 
always keep it in view as a kind of succe- 
daneimi for matrimony, and promise myself, 
in case I am not fortunate enough to get 
happily married to console myself by ranging 
a little about the world. 

While I am in the country Jim garrisons my 

room in town and acts as guardian to the 

84 



NEW YORK, JULY 811} 1812 

book cases. Jim has intimated a wish to 
commence another work and I have agreed to 
join with him provided he will prepare a 
number of essays. I have commenced to do 
so myself, and unless he produces his share 
beforehand, I will dish mine up in some other 
form. I am in hope however of drawing some 
out of him. 

The Patroon had very satisfactory intelli- 
gence from Uncle Mik sometime since about 
their property in the Mediterranean. It has 
relieved his mind exceedingly; and for a week 
after, he was one of the most spirited, gay 
hearted beaux in the City. I don't think 
he is so ardent in his devoirs to the divine 
Julia as formerly — I suspect she has an ala- 
baster heart in that fair bosom — not that I 
think the Patroon ever made any serious 
attack upon it. 

July 9th. In coming to town this morning 
I stopped at your father's. The old gentle- 
man took me all over his territories to shew 

85 



NEW YORK, JULY S^h 1812 

me his subjects. Margaret has been rather 
unwell for a week past & looks pale; but is 
getting better. John too has taken cold and 
was indisposed, so that I did not see him. 
Your Mother, as you may suppose, is very 
anxious about the war, and wishes much that 
they would make peace so that you might 
return. The bear is in great spirits and is the 
wonder of the neighbouring swains. He does 
not seem however, to find favour in the eyes 
of the old man. 

I have to conclude this letter abruptly in 
order to get it aboard the vessel. Your 
family all desired me to send as much love to 
you as my letter would carry. 

Yours ever 
W. I. 



86 



NEW YORK, JANUARY 2^ 1813 

New York, Jan^ 2'^ 18 13. 

DEAR BREVOORT: — 

The uncertainty of your movements and 
my own wanderings have prevented me from 
keeping up any thing Hke a regular corre- 
spondence with you. Had I thought you 
would have wintered in England I should have 
written you before this — but I will not spin 
out excuses. 

I passed the early part of last Simimer at a 
little retreat near Hell Gate, in the neighbour- 
hood of the Gracies, Rhinelanders, &c — and 
spent two months quietly and delightfully 
there. In August I set off for the residence 
of the Highland Chieftain, whither I was ac- 
companied by James Renwick. We passed a 
few days very pleasantly there, during which 
time Renwick took a variety of sketches of the 
surrounding scenery. The noble captain has 
completely failed in the matrimonial cam- 
paign — ^the lady shewing no symptoms of 

increase. I begin to despair of my coat. 

^7 



NEW YORK, JANUARY 2^ 1813 

From the captain's I prowled to the country- 
seat of John R. L where I remained for a 

week, in complete fairy land. His seat is 
spacious and elegant with fine grounds around 
it — and the neighbourhood is very gay and 
hospitable. I dined twice at the Chancellor's 
and once at Mr. & Mrs. Montgomery's. Our 
own household was numerous and charming. 
In addition to the ladies of the family, there 
were Miss McEven & Miss Hayward. Dick 
McCall also, was there; who was languishing 
at the feet of the fair Angelica. He is engaged 
to be married to her. Had you but seen me, 
Happy rogue! up to my ears in "an ocean of 
peacocks' feathers" — or rather like a "Straw- 
berry smothered in cream. " The mode of 
living at the manor is exactly after my own 
heart. You have every variety of rural 
amusements within your reach, and are left 
to yourself to occupy your time as you please. 
We made several charming excursions, and 

you may suppose how delightful they were, 

ss 



NEW YORK, JANUARY 24 1813 

through such beautiful scenery, with such 
fine women to accompany you. They sur- 
passed even our Sunday morning rambles 
among the groves on the Banks of the Hudson, 
when you and the divine Hen were so tender & 
sentimental, and you displayed your horse- 
manship so gallantly by leaping over a three 
barred gate. 

After returning from my Hudson excursion 
I was sent on an expedition to the eastward to 
rescue our property from the hands of priva- 
teers men; who had carried in several vessels 
to eastern ports, having goods on board con- 
signed to us. This was a busy & hurried jaunt, 
in which I had no time for amusement. After 
my return I was sent on a mission to Washing- 
ton, to carry a petition from the importing 
merchants, praying for a remission of their 
Bond. This kept me for six weeks at Wash- 
ington, from whence I had just returned, 
having happily succeeded in the object of my 
journey. There you have a brief sketch of my 

8<j 



NEW YORK, JANUARY 2^ 1813 

life for the six or seven months past — which 
has been rather a more busy one than common. 
I am now once more at our old quarters, 
and am at this moment writing at my usual 
corner of the table before the fire which honest 
John has just trimmed and replenished; would 
to heaven, my dear fellow, you were as for- 
merly seated opposite to me. I cannot tell you 
my good Hal, how very much I miss you. 
I feel just as I did after the departure of my 
brother Peter, whose place you had in a manner 
grown into and supplied. The worthy Pa- 
troon also has departed for Spain, to reside 
at Cadiz, as an agent for LeRoy Bayard & 
Mr. Eben, and though I rejoice in his good 
prospects yet I cannot but deplore his de- 
parture. So we get scattered over this 
troubled world — this making of fortunes is the 
very bane of social life; but I trust when they 
are made, we shall all gather together again 
and pass the rest of our lives with one another. 

I have undertaken to conduct the Select 
90 



NEW YORK, JANUARY 2^ 1813 

Reviews, for the sake of pastime & employ- 
ment of idle hours. I am handsomely paid 
& the work is no trouble. 

When you return we must determine on 
some new mode of living, for I am heartily 
tired of this Boarding house system. Perhaps 
it will be better to get a handsome set of 
apartments & furnish them. But of this we 
will talk further when we meet. I was at 
your father's two or three days since. The 
old gentleman is highly tickled with the suc- 
cess of our Navy. He was so powerfully 
excited by the capture of the Macedonian, 
that he actually performed a journey to the 
Brothers, above Hellgate, where the frigates 
lay wind bound ; and he brought away a piece 
of the Macedonian, which he seemed to 
treasure up with as much devotion as a pious 
Catholic does a piece of the true cross. Your 
Mother is well, and is looking forward with 
the utmost impatience for your return. 

A few days since we had a superb dinner 
91 



NEW YORK, JANUARY 24 1813 

given to the naval heroes, at which all the 
great eaters and drinkers of the City were 
present. It was the noblest entertainment of 
the kind I ever witnessed. On New Year's 
eve a grand Ball was likewise given where there 
was a vast display of great & little people. 
The Livingstons were there in all their glory. 
Little Rule Britannia made a gallant appear- 
ance at the head of a train of beauties ; among 
whom were the divine Hen, who looked very 
inviting, and little Taylor, who looked still 
more so. Britannia was gorgeously dressed 
in a queer kind of hat of stiff purple & silver 
stuff, that had marvelously the appearance of 
copper, and made us suppose that she had 
procured the real Mambrino's helmet. Her 
dress was trimmed with what we simply mis- 
took for scalps, and supposed it was in honour 
of the nation, but we blushed at our ignorance 
on discovering that it was a gorgeous trimming 
of marten tips — would that some eminent 
furrier had been there to wonder and admire. 

02 



NEW YORK, JANUARY 2^ 1813 

The little Taylor was as amusing and fas- 
cinating as ever. She is an arrant little Tory 
and entertained me exceedingly with her sly 
jokes upon our navy. She looks uncommonly 
well, and is as plump as a partridge. 

I am sorry to inform you that Mrs. Hoffman 
has been very alarmingly ill, and is still 
confined to her room though slowly recovering. 
Her complaint has symptoms of a pulmonary 
nature and gave great anxiety to her friends. 
I trust however that she will get the better 
of it. She bears her illness with all that 
gentleness & meekness that ever distinguish 
her, and appears more amiable & lovely under 
sickness than when in the full enjoyment of 
health and spirits. 

Ann is passing the Winter at Mrs. Hoffman's. 

Charles has been unfortunate in business. I 

was always afraid that these huge ostentatious 

Book Establishments of Philadelphia would 

not answer. He has nearly settled with his 

creditors and is expected here in a few days. 

93 



NEW YORK, JANUARY 2i 1813 

They have lost their youngest child but the 
eldest is one of the most beautiful little crea- 
tures I ever saw. Ann is in good health & 
spirits and looks uncommonly well. 

Our winter does not promise to be as gay 
even as the last; neither do I feel as much 
disposed to enter into dissipation. Mrs. Ren- 
wick's family is in mourning for the death of 
Dr. Kemp. Of course they do not go abroad 
so much, and their fire side is more quiet & 
pleasant. Young Benj. has gone to Charles- 
town with Mr. Gray, to get an insight into 
Southern commerce. James has been lectur- 
ing at Columbia College on natural philosophy, 
in place of Dr. Kemp. He has gained great 
credit and is reappointed to the situation. 
The professors speak very highly of him, & are 
particularly pleased because he asks no com- 
pensation. 

The Grades are likewise in mourning for 

the death of Mrs. Rogers, Mrs. Grade's 

mother. Mr. Gracie has moved into his new 

94 



NEW YORK, JANUARY 2^ 1813 

house and I find a very warm reception at the 
fire side. Their country seat was one of my 
strongholds last summer, as I lived in its 
vicinity. It is a charming warm-hearted 
family, and the old gentleman has the soul of 
a prince. The fair Sally is soon to give her 
hand to James King. 

Goodhue is engaged to Miss Clarkson, the 
sister to the pretty one. The engagement sud- 
denly took place as they walked from church 
on Christmas day, and report says the action 
was shorter than any of our naval victories, 
for the lady struck on the first Broadside. 

This war has completely changed the face of 
things here. You would scarcely recognize 
our old peaceful city. Nothing is talked of 
but armies, navies, Battles &c. Men who 
had loitered about, the hangers on and incum- 
brances of society, have all at once risen to 
importance and been the only useful men of 
the day. 

Had not the miserable accounts from fron- 
95 



NEW YORK, JANUARY 2^ 1813 

tiers dampened in some manner the public 
zeal, I believe half of our young men would 
have been military mad. As it is, if this war 
continues & a regular be raised instead of 
depending on volunteers & militia, I believe 
we shall have the Commissions sought after 
with avidity, by young gentlemen of education 
and good breeding, and our army will be 
infinitely more respectable and infinitely more 
successful. 

I hope this letter may find you on the eve 
of your departure for this country. I do 
long most earnestly to see you here again. 
I suppose my brother will remain longer in 
Europe, and much as I wish to see him home 
once more, I feel content that he should stay 
until he can return with money in both 
pockets and the whole of us be able to live 
after our own hearts for the rest of our lives. 
God bless you my dear fellow. 

Yours ever 
W. I. 
96 



NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 9*^ 1814 
N York, Sept. 9'^ 1814. 

DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I have nothing now to tell you and write in 
great haste. Judge Van Ness desires me to 
inform you, that should there be any difficulty 
in your way, which his assistance would be 
important in removing, to write him word 
and he will do everything in his power to 
assist you, and even come up to Vermont if 
necessary. He appears to be very sincerely 
interested for your success. I enclose you a 
letter rec*? by the Saratoga; which I presume 
is for L'Herbette. The household are all well. 
God bless & prosper you. 

Your friend 
W. I. 



VOL. I.— 7. gjr 



ALBANY, SEPTEMBER 26113 1814 
Albany, Sept. 2&^ 18 14. 

DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I have just arrived here in the Suite of the 
Governor. How long I shall remain here I 
know not, perhaps a week or more; though, 
if affairs remain tranquil at New York, I shall 
endeavor to be sent with some business to 
one or other of the armies on the lines. 

The Iron Greys go on very well. They are 
attached to a regiment commanded by Lt. 
Col. Cadwallader D. Golden, and will be 
encamped in a few days in the vicinity of 
Greenwich. I have been incessantly occupied 
since I saw you, by the duties of my station; 
and feel more pleased than ever with it. I 
am very anxious to hear how matters go with 
you. I think there is no prospect of immediate 
peace and am of opinion, that should the 
British wait the results of the present cam- 
paign, they will rather be disposed to continue 
hostilities; to wipe out the stains of late 

defeats. This Scourging Campaign has on 

98 



ALBANY, SEPTEMBER 26^Ji 1814 

the whole been thus far a degrading one to 
them & the Victory on Champlain will be a 
pill not easily swallowed. I wish you would 
treasure up all the striking particulars you 
may hear concerning it, as I must give 
McDonough a dash. 

In great haste 

Yours truly 
W. I. 
P.S. The Commercial world is aghast at 
New York in consequence of recent failures. 
Mintum & Champlin, Post & Minturn, 
Robert Bowne & Tho' Eddy have gone by 
the board & others are tottering. 



99 



NEW YORK, OCTOBER i6th 1814 
New York, Oct. 16'-' 1814. 

DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I returned here some days since, after 
having made a rough but interesting joiirney 
to Sacketts Harbour. Military business goes 
on steadily here, and the progress that the 
militia have made is surprising. The Iron 
Greys have become very expert with their 
aims and correct in their evolutions; you will 
find yotirself a complete Johnny Raw among 
them. By the bye, they are very much at a 
loss to conceive what you are about, & do not 
half like your long absence. The Gallant 
Sam has fairly changed front, and instead of 
laying siege to Douglas Castle has charged 
sword in hand and carried little Cooper's in- 
trenchments. In plain English, he has aban- 
doned the Lady of the Bleeding Heart and 
has paid his addresses to Alice Ann Cooper & 
what is more, they are actually engaged. I 
would scarce credit the report; until I had it 
confirmed from his own mouth. Your old 



NEW YORK, OCTOBER i6ih 1814 

flame Maria Haight takes vast credit on 
herself for having been very potent in pro- 
moting the match: in honest secrecy the old 
puss thought at first Sam was in love with 
herself. He used to ask her to ride out to 
Coldens &c &c. She affected great confusion 
when twittered about him; a little time 
served to show her the mistake, and I must 
do her the justice to say, she turned it off very 
cleverly, and made a very faithful confidant. 
Sam & the company agree extremely well & 
matters go on very smoothly. 

The folks here are in the alarm again; 
expecting an attack. You will have heard 
before this of the force with which Lord Hill 
is coming out, and it is certain the intention of 
his expedition was an attack on this place. 
Circumstances may induce him to alter it; 
but I think it probable we shall have our 
mettle tried. I am impatient to hear of your 
having effected your business and that you 
are on your route homewards. You will of 



NEW YORK, OCTOBER i6«i 1814 

cotirse be on the look out, and learn what is 
the situation of affairs; should we be in im- 
mediate danger of attack, this will not be the 
place to bring goods, as business will be at a 
stand. 

We had letters recently from the doctor, 
by the John Adams. He was then in Amster- 
dam, & had been to Paris, Ghent &c. He 
was about to return to Ghent & was waiting 
the result of our negociations, to determine 
his mercantile proceedings. He had become 
acquainted with the commissioners and I 
make no doubt was on very good terms with 
them. He proposed afterwards to rejoin the 
Brummagen Family. 

You will see by the terms demanded by 
England, that there is no chance for a speedy 
peace — goods must therefore sell well. Every 
body here & I trust throughout the country is 
indignant at the insulting proposition of the 
enemy & but one spirit seems to animate all 
ranks & parties, a determination to bend 



NEW YORK, OCTOBER i6th 1814 

every effort to the promotion of a vigorous 
war. 

The household at Mrs. Bradishes continues 
the same as usual. March is aide to Little 
Morton, and has swelled so much on the 
occasion, that he can hardly keep from 
busting his Breeches. Cruger is aide to Lewis, 
who has a very formidable staff. Hamilton, 
Little Lewis, Big Dom. Lynch, Montgomery 
Livingston, and Cruger — what a sage Council 
of War they could hold! I expect however, 
that Lewis will shortly be removed from the 
command of this post — and when the kite 
falls the bobs in the tail must follow. 

Yours truly, 

W.I. 



103 



SANDY HOOK, MAY 25^1 1815 

Sandy Hook, May 25'- 1815. 

DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I was extremely sorry to leave New York, 
without taking you by the hand. Unsettled 
and almost joyless as has been my life for 
some time past, yet when I came to the last 
moment of parting from home, I confess it 
wrung my heart. But all is for the best and I 
am satisfied that a little absence will be greatly 
to my advantage. 

I should have liked to have taken farewell 
of my worthy housemates, of whom I shall 
retain a warm remembrance, and shall toast 
their memories whenever I can get a taste of 
the real beverage. Remember me to Mrs. 
Bradish and Miss Claypoole, — the unexpected 
hurry of my departure prevented my seeing 
them, in fact I was too much hurried and 
worried at the moment to think of any thing. 

Give my farewell to William Kemble. I 

shall write to you from England, and beg you 

to let me hear from you whenever you have 

104 



SANDY HOOK, MAY 25th 1 815 

a scribbling fit & leisure moment to spare to an 
old and constant friend. 

God bless you 
W.I. 

Tell Lee I shall open his dispatches in the 
morning; in the meantime I give him my 
hearty good wishes, & beg him to bid the 

L s adieu for me. I should have called 

there again had the vessel not sailed so 
abruptly. 

The wind is springing up from the west and 
I trust we shall clear at sea before morning. 
The Ship gives much satisfaction & I am 
much pleased with my fellow passengers. 



10s 



BIRMINGHAM, JULY 5th 1815 

Birmingham^ July 5- 181$. 

DEAR BREVOORT: — 

You will see by the date of this letter, that 
I am safely housed under the hospitable roof 
of the Baron. I found him & the Baroness 
and all the Young Van Tromps in excellent 
health & spirits and most delightfully situated 
in the vicinity of the town. You would really 
be charmed with their establishment. My 
sister has altered very much since she left 
America; particularly within the last year. 
Instead of an extremely slender figure, she is 
now plump and healthful in her appearance, 
and far handsomer than ever she was. This 
England is certainly a most favourable country 
to the preservation of youth & youthful looks. 
I hope if I stay here a while I shall return 
quite a Younker again. My Brother Peter 
also seems quite unaltered though seven years 
have passed away since our parting — which 
you know is a fearful lapse of time to Gentle- 
men "of a certain age." At present, poor 

106 



BIRMINGHAM, JULY s^li 1815 

fellow, he is afflicted with a violent attack of 
the Erysipelas, which, though yielding to 
strict regimen and prescriptions confines him 
strictly to the house. I passed a week with 
him in Liverpool and find him the same 
identical being he was in America. I am in 
hopes he will be sufficiently well and dis- 
engaged in business to come up here soon, 
and to take some little excursions about the 
country; which would be of great service to 
him after having been for months worn down 
by business, anxiety, & indisposition. 

I saw your Friend Richards at Liverpool & 
dined with him. He inquired about you & 
your affairs with much friendly interest. He 
has been a staunch and valuable friend to both 
Van Wart & Peter, and behaved himself in 
the handsomest manner. He is very much 
grieved at present at the utter overthrow of 
poor Boney, whose cause and character he 
vindicates with great gallantry. 

I ought to have mentioned before, that my 
107 



BIRMINGHAM, JULY 5th 1815 

voyage, though a wintry one as to weather, 
was extremely pleasant from good humour 
and good reading that prevailed from my 
fellow passengers. I do not believe that the 
same number of passengers were ever mewed 
up together for thirty days in dirty cabins 
and with equal deficiency of comforts that 
maintained more and unvarying harmony 
and good will for each other. I was particu- 
larly pleased with the British officers. Sir 
William Williams is a cheerful, good hearted 
well bred gentleman, with fine animal spirits 
and great urbanity. Heckey is one of the 
best tempered, honest hearted fellows alive, 
but Major Hancock, I found one of the most 
original, entertaining and interesting char- 
acters that I have met with for a long time. 
A scholar, a man of reading & observation 
and of great humour and excentricity. I trust 
I shall meet with some of these gentlemen 
again at London, or in the course of my 

rambles in England. 

108 



BIRMINGHAM, JULY 5^1 1815 

I found honest Jack Wilkes at Birmingham. 
He was on the hunt for me on the night of 
my arrival, in company with Van Wart but 
I got to the house without meeting them. I 
regretted it, as I am told Jack was a little 
elevated, having dined out & got mellow on 
Gooseberry wine! We roasted him soundly 
for it the next day when he dined at Van 
Warts. He is gone to Liverpool but I hope 
to see him here soon again. I am happy to 
find that I shall be likely to meet his sister in 
London. I am in daily expectation of James 
Renwick's arrival here on his way to Liver- 
pool where he is to be the day after tomorrow. 
I found from Mr. Davidson, what were his 
movements, & wrote to him to London to 
stop here on his way down, that we might 
connect future campaigning. 

I am delighted with England. The country 

is enchanting and I have experienced as yet 

nothing but kindness and civility. I think it 

probable I shall go up to London for a few 

109 



BIRMINGHAM, JULY 5^± 1815 

days before Parliament rises & the theatres 
close; after which I shall return to this place 
& from hence make excursions throughout the 
country. 

I have forborn making comments on the 
wonderful events that are taking place in the 
political world. They are too vast and 
astonishing to be grasped in the narrow com- 
pass of a familiar letter — and indeed as yet I 
can do nothing but look on in stupid amaze- 
ment — wondering with vacant conjecture — 
* ' what will take place next ? " I am determined 
however, to get a near view of the actors in 
this great Drama. 

Just before I left N. York, Lee put in my 
hand a note to be read when I should be out 
to sea. I read it according to the directions 
and found it to be a contradiction of the story 
which he told us about his declaration & 

engagement to Miss S. L He said the story 

was merely got up to prevent yourself, D. 
Sampayo and me from quizzing him about 



BIRMINGHAM, JULY 5^± 1815 

her. A very paltry excuse, especially, as I 
had some time ceased to speak to him about 
her. He said his fabrication was known but 
to us three & if we said no more about it, the 
thing would go no further. He requested me 
to write to him from Europe. — We do no such 
thmg. I have not got over the disgust 
occasioned by the singular note and still more 
strange fabrication. I consider his conduct, as 
totally irreconcilable to my ideas of honour- 
able & delicate principle. I consider a man 
who can indulge in such an elaborate and 
systematic falsification of his word, involving 
too the character & interests of others, particu- 
larly of such a being as S. L as too danger- 
ous a man to be admitted freely & confidentially 
into domestic circles. I must say there was 
something about his pretended disclosure at 
which my feelings revolted. I felt pained at 
the prospect of a union so dissimilar and dis- 
cordant — and I even felt that delicate respect 
& admiration which I had long entertained for 



BIRMINGHAM, JULY 5th 1815 

Miss L impaired and almost prostrated 

at the idea of her having so suddenly and 
strangely imbibed an attachment which 
argued a coarse and gross taste, courted as she 
has been by glaring attentions and hyperboli- 
cal flattery. You will recollect our conversa- 
tion on this subject. I do not know but that 
this feeling of transient disgust made me less 
particular in seeking a particular farewell 
from the ladies of the Palace than I should 
otherwise have been. I beg when you see 
them you will assure them of my unaltered 
friendship and most heartfelt good wishes. 
They have made many hours & days of my 
life pass happily and I shall always think of 
them with the most delightful recollections. 
I find Peter sent out a quantity of fash- 
ionable music to me, which was chosen by 
little Ellen Johnson, who has become a Mis- 
tress of the art. I intended it for the Miss 

L s and hope it has been delivered. 

I cannot tell you how happy I feel at find- 



BIRMINGHAM, JULY 5th 1815 

ing myself embosomed in my sister's charming 
little family. I am like another being from 
what I was in that listless period of existence 
that preceded my departtire from America. 
It seems as if my whole nature had changed — 
a thousand kind feelings and affections that 
had lain torpid, are aroused within me — my 
very blood seems to flow more warm and 
sprightly. Her children surpass my expecta- 
tions. The boys are noble little fellows — full 
of innocent gaiety, buxom health and eternal 
good humour. My little god daughter 
Matilda is a sweet playful child, and even 
little Marianne, though a mere mite of mor- 
tality, is full of pleasantness & good spirits. 
Every thing around me too, is so exactly to 
my taste. The House, the grounds, the 
Household establishment, the mode of living; 
never before did I find myself more completely 
at home. I wish to heavens you were here 
to enjoy all this with me — you would be most 

heartily welcomed. 

VOL. I.— a 113 



BIRMINGHAM, JULY 5th 1815 

I found on my arrival at Liverpool that 
Charles Kemble & his wife were acting there. 
I called on them and renewed our acquaint- 
ance. Kemble tells me that in consequence 
of his being about on the continent he did 
not get the letters from America until long 
after they were written. The terms offered 
by Mr. Cooper were not such as to tempt them 
across the Atlantic, as they could make as 
much by travelling among the provincial 
Theatres of England. Besides they have a 
large & encreasing family which would be of 
itself a detriment. Kemble however talks as 
if he should like to make an excursion to 
America himself for a year & leave Mrs. K. 
& the family in England. Such I think would 
be his best plan as Mrs. K., though an actress 
of undoubted talents, has grown almost too 
large for many of the characters she plays — 
particularly for the eyes of American audi- 
ences, who you know are accustomed to the 

more delicate figures of our American ladies. 

114 



BIRMINGHAM, JULY 5^2 1815 

I should think a liberal offer might tempt 
Kemble to pay America a visit. 

Give my kindest remembrances to Mrs. 
Bradish, Miss Bradish, Miss Claypoole and 
all the household, especially my worthy 
friend Johnson, whose health I hope to drink 
in the true Beverage in his own brave country 
before long. 

When you see Mrs. Ren wick remember me 
heartily to her and her family & tell her I shall 
keep a sharp look out upon that wild youth 
Jamie, who I fear is playing what Launce 
calls "the prodigious Son" at London. 

Remember me affectionately also to my 
good friends the Hoffmans, and let me know 
how they all do and whether Charles Nicholas 
continues in public service. I shall write to 
you again soon & hope to receive some lines 
from you in return. 

Your friend 

W. I. 



"5 



LIVERPOOL, AUGUST 19th 1815 
Liverpool, August ig- 181^. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I cannot tell how much I have been gratified 
by your long letter of the 8th July. I shall 
endeavour to repay it, when I have more 
leisure, by a letter of more length if not more 
value, than I am able to write at present. I 
have just returned from a delightful tour 
in Wales with Renwick, of which I have no 
time to furnish particulars. Our route was 
from Birmingham to the Leasowes, Hag- 
ley, Worcester, Tewkesbury, Cheltenham, 
Gloucester, Bath, Bristol, Chepstow, Tintem, 
Monmouth, Hereford, Leominster, Ludlow, 
Shrewsbury, Ellsmere, Langothen, Conway, 
Caernarvon, Bethgellert Llanrwst, Ruthin, 
Denbigh, Chester, Liverpool. As you know 
the country, you may judge what a charming 
tour it has been. As we had no letters to the 
Cloughs I had not an opportunity of seeing 
your friend the little Apothecary, who had 

such a passion for great Lakes and mighty 

116 



LIVERPOOL, AUGUST 19th 1815 

rivers; I had forgotten in fact whether he 
lived in Denbigh or one of the neighbouring 
villages. I found Ren wick an excellent 
travelling companion, and, from his uncommon 
memory, an exceeding good book of reference, 
so as to save me a vast deal of trouble in con- 
sulting my travelling books. The professor 
is now in Liverpool & will remain here until 
Smedburg sails, when he intends paying Scot- 
land a visit. 

My Brother is still an invalid, but recovering 
from the flames of St. Anthony, in which he 
has been almost consumed. He has been 
troubled for a few days past with rheumatic 
pains in one of his legs. I hope however that 
he will soon be well enough to make an excur- 
sion to Birmingham & that a visit to some 
watering place will completely restore him. 

About the subject of Lee's conduct, I gave 

you my opinion in a former letter and am 

happy to find it accords so perfectly with your 

own. Indeed I was sure from your correct- 

117 



LIVERPOOL, AUGUST 19^ 1815 

ness of mind, you could not but revolt from 

such a gross unnecessary imposition, set on 

elaborate tissue of fabrication ; above all, such 

an unwarrantable abuse of a lady's name, 

whose character & conduct would awe any 

being of the most ordinary delicacy into 

scrupulous respect. Upon my soul, the more 

I think of it, the more I am surprised at the 

hardihood of Lee in daring to treat with such 

licentious tongue, the name of such a pure 

and delicate creature as S L. But I need 

not dwell on this subject as I know you feel 

exactly as I do, and I think the manner in 

which you treated Lee exactly right. You 

may be assured I shall never mention the 

matter to any other being but yourself — 

though, as Dennis was in some measure in 

Lee's wide spread confidence I question 

whether he has not proclaimed it on the 

house tops. 

I received a very good, that is to say a very 

characteristic Letter yesterday from that 

118 



LIVERPOOL, AUGUST 19th 1815 

worthy little Tar, Jack Nicholson, dated 7 
July on Board the Flambeau off Algiers, & 
giving a brief account of our affairs with 
Algiers. He mentions that "they fell in with 
& captured the Admiral's ship and killed him.'" 
As this is all that Jack's brevity will allow him 
to say on the subject I should be at a loss to 
know whether they killed the admiral before 
or after his capture. The well known hu- 
manity of our tars however, induces me to 
the former conclusion. He informs me that 
he had written to the Livingstons & sent them 
Otto of Roses, &€.. 

This triumph will completely fix Decatur's 
Reputation — he may now repose on his 
Laurels & have wherewithal to solace himself 
under their shade. Give my hearty congratu- 
lations to Mrs. Decatur, & tell her that now 
I am willing she shall have the Commodore 
to herself, and with all her comfort & happi- 
ness with him. — A gallanter fellow never 

stepped a quarter deck — God bless him. 

119 



LIVERPOOL, AUGUST 19111 181 5 

The Wiggins family & Madame Bonaparte 
passed thro here while I was in Wales. I 
understand that they are at Cheltenham, but 
it is probable they will soon pass over to the 
continent, as the ladies are very anxious to 
visit Paris, though Wiggins wishes to stop 
a while in England. I think the poor man has 
his hands full with such a bevy of beautiful 
women under his charge, and all doubtless 
bent on pleasure and admiration. 

Scott & Mercer likewise passed thro* here 
while I was abroad. What think you of 
Poor Boney in America — his fallen fortunes 
have awakened sympathy even in England. 
For my part I feel a kindness for him in his 
distresses, & think the cabinet here have acted 
with much littleness in their treatment of him. 

I rec*^ a letter from Golden declaring the 
fallacy of his project. I had long before lost 
all faith in it & had taken no steps concerning 
it, in this country. 

I beg you will remember me with great 



LIVERPOOL, AUGUST iQili 1815 

regard to Mrs. & Miss Bradish & Miss Clay- 
poole. I sent a No. of Byron's Hebrew 

Melodies to Miss B by Mr. Clay which I 

hope she received. 

Give my hearty recollections to those two 
worthies Walker and Johnson and my good 
wishes to all the household — I shall write you 
more particularly soon. 

Yours ever 

W. L 
P.S. Should you in the course of your 
joumeyings see my fair friend Mrs. Campbell 
of Philadelphia give her my sincere regards. 
If you visit Philadelphia I am sure their home 
will be one of your favorite resorts. 

I shall attend to your request concerning 
Old Books, and shall peep into all the little 
stalls that I meet with. 



LIVERPOOL, AUGUST 23d 1815 

Liver pool J August 2j- 18 15, 

DEAR BREVOORT: — 

1 I wrote you a hasty letter a few days since 
which you will receive per the Gen' Hamilton. 
— Since then I have rec*^ your letter by the 
Pacific, and have again to express my sense 
of this attention. I had purposed writing 
you a long & particular letter; but have been 
so much engaged in scribbling to various per- 
sons, and in attending a little to our business 
here, on account of Peter's indisposition, that 
I have no time to write leisurely & fully. 

I am very glad to hear that you are likely 
to make an arrangement with the N. W. Co. 
on advantageous terms. I am satisfied that 
in your hands it will turn to profitable ac- 
count, though I think with you that nothing 
but a prospect of very considerable & certain 
gain should tempt you in any wise to link 
your fortunes with others, or place your inde- 
pendence of life & action in any wise in their 

control. 

122 



LIVERPOOL, AUGUST 23d 1815 

I trust yoiir operations on this side of the 
water will be successful, though you made 
rather a bad outset in remitting specie. Our 
business I trust will be very good — it certainly 
will be very great, this year, and will give us 
credit, if not profit. Not withstanding that 
Peter has been an invalid, and confined to 
the house almost continually since the Treaty 
of Ghent, yet he has managed to get through 
an immensity of business. He is slowly 
getting over his complaint; but is very much 
afflicted at present with the rheumatism. He 
has very comfortable & handsome apartments 
in Bold St. where I reside at present with him. 
Thomas, that mirror of silent & discreet 
domestics, still acts as his Squire; and retains 
the same immovable solemnity of muscle that 
marked his countenance when you were here. 

I do not know whether I mentioned to you 

my having become acquainted with Little 

Booth, during my short visit to London. I 

visited her several times and was very much 

1^3 



LIVERPOOL, AUGUST 23d 1815 

charmed with her. She frequently mentioned 
you with great regard. Little Fidel is still in 
full fire & vigour — and one of the most tyranni- 
cal little villains that ever existed. He ramps 
& roars & rages at his little mistress with 
such tremendous violence that I was more than 
ever afraid that he would swallow her alive. 
While at London I made an excursion to 
Sydenham to visit Mr. Campbell — unfortu- 
nately he was not at home. I spent an hour 
in conversation with Mrs. Campbell — who is 
a most engaging & interesting woman. Camp- 
bell was still engaged in getting his critical 
work through the press — and as he is a rigid 
censor of his own works — correcting is as 
laborious as composition to him. He alters 
& amends until the last moment. I am in 
hopes when he has this work off his hands, 
he will attempt another poem. Mrs. C gave 
me some anecdotes of Scott — but none so 
remarkable as to dwell in my memory. He 

has lost much by the failure of the Ballan- 

124 



LIVERPOOL, AUGUST 23d 1815 

tynes, but is as merry & unconcerned to all 
appearance as ever — one of the happiest 
fellows that ever wrote poetry. I find it is 
very much doubted whether he is the Author 
of Waverly & Guy Mannering — Brown, one 
of the publishers, positively says he is not. It 
is reported that another novel will soon make 
its appearance from the same hand, called 
the Antiquarian. 

I was agreeably surprised the other day by 
the arrival of long Peter Ogden — the hero ot 
New Orleans (to use an American expression). 
He is likely to be a good deal in Liverpool 
and will have lodgings in our neighborhood. 
Lawrence and his wife (late Fanny Ogden) 
have likewise arrived. I saw them just after 
their landing. They have had a remarkably 
fine voyage. This place swarms with Ameri- 
cans — you never saw a more motley race of 
beings — some seem as if just from the woods, 
and yet stalk about the streets & public places 

with all the easy nonchalance that they would 

125 



^ 



LIVERPOOL, AUGUST 23d 1815 



about their own villages. Nothing can sur- 
pass the dauntless independence of all form 
ceremony, fashion or regulation of a down 
right, unsophisticated American. Since the 
war too, particularly, one lad seems to think 
they are "salt of the earth," and the legiti- 
mate lords of creation. It would delight you 
to see some of them playing Indians when 
surrounded by the wonders & improvements of 
the old world. It is impossible to match these 
fellows with anything on this side of the water. 
Let an Englishman talk of the Battle of 
Waterloo & they will immediately bring New 
Orleans & Plattsburgh. A thorough bred, 
thoroughly appointed soldier, is nothing to a 
Kentucky Rifleman — as to British Lakes & 
rivers they are completely drowned in Lake 
Superior & the Mississippi. The Welsh 
Mountains are mole hills to the Alleghany — 
and as to all mechanical improvements they 
are totally eclipsed & annihilated by an 



I 



i 
126 J 



American Steam Boat. ^ 



LIVERPOOL, AUGUST 23d 1815 

I have had no letter from Thomas since I 
have been in England — which rather sur- 
prises me, knowing his great propensity to 
write even when he has nothing to say. How 
does the magazine come on? I shall continue 
to find out periodical works for it until I can 
make some arrangement in London to take the 
troublesome duty off our hands. 

I should like to see the National Intelli- 
gencer, now, that Jim is writing for it. These 
late triumphs on the continent will be sore 
blows to Jim's plans — they will materially 
delay the great object of his life — the over- 
throw of the British Empire. His grand 
coadjutor Poor Boney has at length left the 
coast — for St. Helena. 

I must say I think the Cabinet has acted 

with littleness toward him. In spite of all 

his misdeeds he is a noble fellow, — and I am 

confident will eclipse in the eyes of Posterity, 

all the crowned wiseacres that have crushed 

him by their overwhelming confederacy. 

127 



LIVERPOOL, AUGUST 23d 1815 

If any thing could place the Prince Regent 
in a more ridiculous light, it is Bonaparte su- 
ing for his magnanimous protection. — Every 
compliment paid to this bloated sensual- 
ist, this inflation of sack & sugar, turns to the 
keenest sarcasm — and nothing shows more 
completely the caprices of fortune and how 
truly she delights in reversing the relative 
situations of persons & baffling the flights of 
intellect & enterprizes — than that, of all the 
monarchs of Europe, Bonaparte should be 
brought to the feet of the Prince Regent. 

"An eagle towering in his pride of place 
Was by a mousing owl hawked at & killed." 

In mentioning Mrs. Campbell I ought to 
have told you that she spoke very particu- 
larly and very kindly of you. You were also 
inquired after by various good people of 
Birmingham, particularly the Binghams, 
where Ren wick & myself dined. You may 
recollect the family. The old Gentleman is a 
hearty good himioured, right down John Bull, 



LIVERPOOL, AUGUST 23d 1815 

has very pretty & amiable daughters, one of 
them a little lame & a charming woman for a 
wife. It is a family where Peter is fond of 
visiting. During the short stays I have made at 
Birmingham I have found several very agree- 
able acquaintances among the neighbours. 

My only acquaintances as yet in this place 
are the families of Mr. Richard & Mr. Woolsey. 
Mr. Richards is at present out of town. Mrs. 
Woolsey you must certainly recollect. She is 
a perfect lady and a most amiable interesting 
woman — she likewise mentioned you in very 
flattering terms. 

Remember me to Mrs. Bradishes family & 
household. 

Peter Ogden tells me that my old friend & 
quondam Vassal William served him as Valet 
de place during his residence in N York. 
The good old man must feel much comfort in 
the restoration of the Bourbons. 

Yours ever 

W. I. 

VOL. I. — 9. 129 



LIVERPOOL, AUGUST 23d 1815 

P.S. If you can at any time find me pam- 
phlets, newspapers &c I should be very glad 
to see them — you may leave them at our 
counting room to be forwarded by private 
hand. By a regulation of the last parliament 
all letters &c arriving from abroad are subject 
to full postage — and from a blunder in the 
Act, Newspapers &c are subject to equal 
postage with letters, so that a parcel of News- 
papers will come to perhaps a couple of 
Guineas. This prevents their being taken 
out of the post office & completely balks us in 
the reception of news in that way. It is 
expected that a provision will be made when 
parliament meets permitting them to be 
delivered with light postage — until then how- 
ever the only mode of getting them to us is 
privately, by the hands of Captains or 
passengers. 



130 



LIVERPOOL, SEPTEMBER 8^± 1815 
Liverpool, Sept. 8- 181 5. 

DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I have just returned from accompanying 
Peter as far as Manchester, on his way to 
Harrowgate. He bore his journey so far 
very well, and yesterday I saw him off from 
Manchester, very comfortably stowed away 
in a Chaise, loaded with as many conveniences 
as the "Happy Man" whom you encountered 
of yore in Wales, and attended by his faithful, 
discreet, and taciturn man, Thomas — or as 
we more correctly call him "Solemn Silence." 
I trust the waters of Harrowgate will com- 
pletely restore both skin & bone, which is 
nearly all that remains of him. I shall remain 
here as long as the fall business requires my 
presence, and then join him at Harrowgate. 

I have not heard any thing of Conger since 

I saw him in London, except when in Bath, 

on my way to Wales. He had promised to 

meet me in Bath and accompany Renwick 

and myself on our Welsh Tour, but on inquir- 

131 



LIVERPOOL, SEPTEMBER 8^1} 1815 

ing for him in that city I heard that he was at 
some watering place & would not return in 
some days. I am in hopes of soon seeing 
Charles King in Liverpool to await the arrival 
of his family. I saw much of him while in 
London and, as you may suppose, found him 
a most desirable companion, in the Metro- 
polis. Charles is exactly what an American 
should be abroad — frank, manly & unaffected 
in his habits & manners, liberal & independent 
in his opinions, generous & unprejudiced in 
his sentiments towards other nations, but 
most loyally attached to his own. 

Peter received a letter some few days since, 
from Colin Robertson, dated on the Banks of 
the Superior. — He was to return by the way 
of Hudson Bay. He mentions having heard 
of your intention of doing business with the 
N W — but hoped that it is only Commission 
business — as he thought that Comp^ on the 
decline. He seems very sanguine as to the 

business in which he is engaged. 

13- 



LIVERPOOL, SEPTEMBER 8^^ 1815 

I have not heard any thing of Madame 
Bonaparte since her arrival in this country, 
except that the newspapers mention her being 
at Chehenham. There are so many huge 
stars and comets thrown out of their orbits 
& whirHng about the world at present, that 
a little star, like Mad'?' B. attracts but slight 
attention, even though she draws after her so 
sparkling a tail as the Wiggins family. 

I regret very much that I was not in Liver- 
pool when she arrived. I should have liked to 
have congratulated the little lady on the 
prospect of a speedy consummation of the 
great wish of her heart, a visit to Paris — and 
I should have delighted to bask in the sweet 
smiles of Mrs. W. and her charming sister. 

We were very uneasy some few days since 
from news from the family of the Van Tromps 
that little Irving had received a violent 
contusion in the head by a fall from a Pony — 
he however is now perfectly recovered, having 

inherited a solid Dutch head from his father. 

133 



LIVERPOOL, SEPTEMBER 8«1 1815 

By mistake one of our clerks has just put 
a small parcel of music, for Miss Bradish, in 
the letter bag of the Pacific — I had intended 
to have sent it by private hand. They are 
merely a few fashionable songs. I can't say 
much as to the selection. Liverpool is not 
the best place to get new music, & these were 
chosen by another hand. Give my regards 
to Mrs. Bradish & her daughter — and my 
hearty remembrances to Johnson Walker & 
all the household. 

In great haste. 

Yours sincerely 
W. I. 



134 



LIVERPOOL, SEPTEMBER 26th 1815 
Liverpool, Sept. 26- 18 15, 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I have at this moment so many things to 
attend to and letters to write, and the ship by 
which I send this is so immediately on the 
wing, that I have barely time to scrawl a few 
lines. I cannot lose a moment, however, in 
returning you a thousand thanks for your 
delightful letters by the Minerva Smyth. 
They were exactly such as a man wishes, when 
away from home; and if you knew how much 
they gratified me, I am sure you would think 
the trouble of them compensated a hundred 
fold. 

The Minerva Smj^th arrived the night before 

last. Yesterday morning I heard of her being 

in the river, and to my utter astonishment, 

that the worthy Governor was on board. I 

was ready to exclaim, "Stands Scotland where 

it did?" for it really seemed as if one of the 

pillars of the earth had quit its base to take 

a ramble. The world is surely topsy-turvy 

135 



LIVERPOOL, SEPTEMBER 26^11 1815 

and its inhabitants all shaken out of place. 
Emperors and kings, statesmen and philoso- 
phers, Bonaparte, Alexander, Johnson, and 
the Wiggins's, all strolling about the face of 
the earth. 

No sooner did I hear of the interesting 
group that had come out in the Minerva 
Smyth, than, with my usual excitement, which 
is apt to put me in a fever, and make me over- 
shoot my mark, I got a boat and set off for 
the ship, which lay about three miles off. 
The weather was boisterous — the Mersey 
rough. I got well ducked; and, when I 
arrived on board, had the satisfaction to hear 
that my eagerness had, as usual, led me upon 
a wild-goose chase, and that, had I made the 
least inquiry, I should have found the pas- 
sengers had all landed early in the morning. 
Away then I paddled across the river; and the 
tide being contrary, was landed at the upper 
part of Liverpool; had to trudge two miles 

through dirty lanes and alleys; was two or 

136 



LIVERPOOL, SEPTEMBER 26112 1815 

three times entangled among the docks, and 
baulked by drawbridges thrown open, so that 
it was afternoon before I got to the Liverpool 
Arms, where I found the party all comfortably 
housed. 

I cannot tell you how rejoiced I was to take 
the worthy Governor by the hand and to find 
myself in the delightfiil little circle which 
brought New York so completely home to my 
recollection and feelings. Mrs. King has 
made an excellent sailor — and the children 
are in fine health and spirits. Little Eliza 
is as wild as an Indian and delighted with 
everything around her. Little Hatty is a 
beautiful creature and the Boy a noble animal ! 
I never saw a nobler child. I dined with 
them and passed four hours most happily in 
talking over past scenes and distant friends. 

Charles King has not arrived yet, but I 
expect he will be here to-morrow or next day. 
Mrs. King is in better health than when I left 
New York and is in excellent spirits. The 



LIVERPOOL, SEPTEMBER 26th 1815 

children have absolutely astonished the people 
at the hotel. You know the great deconim 
of the English and the system of quiet and 
reserve by which their children are brought 
to behave like little men and women — whereas 
the little Kings, who are full of spirits and 
health, are just as noisy and frolicksome as 
if out at Hellgate — and racket about the 
hotel just as they would at Papa Grade's 
in State St. I was infinitely amused with 
their rantipole gambols — the little creatures 
are like birds let loose from a cage. Eliza 
King showed me, with great pride, a certificate 
of the good behaviour of herself and Hatty, 
during the voyage, signed by the passengers. 

Peter is at Harrowgate, taking the waters — 
he writes that he finds himself much better — 
though still troubled with the rheumatism. 
I am remaining in Liverpool to finish our fall 
business and get the establishment here in 
perfect order — after which I shall join Peter. 

I will write you more particularly when I 

138 



LIVERPOOL, SEPTEMBER 26th 1815 

have a moment's time. Remember me to 
all the household and to your family. 

Yours truly 

W.I. 

I mentioned in a previous letter that little 
Booth had been ill at Hertford during a 
Dramatic Tour. She is perfectly recovered 
and performs in London. She was so dan- 
gerously ill that at one time she was given 
over by the Physicians. 

I have become acquainted with the Graemes 
who speak of you with great kindness. I shall 
give you further account of them when I 
write particularly. I am very much pleased 
with them. 

I have met them with a Mrs. Donovan, a 
very young and beautiful woman. She looks 
something like Mrs. Murphy — do you recol- 
lect her? By the way I am glad to hear that 
Mrs. Murphy is over now in New York — 
remember me to her with great regard. I 

hope she retains her beauty. 

139 



LIVERPOOL, OCTOBER i;^!^ 1815 
Liverpool, Oct. ly- 1815. 

DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I write merely to tell you that you must 
not think me negligent in my correspondence. 
I will most certainly write to you amply when 
I have time ; but for several weeks past I have 
been more really busy than I ever was in my 
life. As I am a complete novice in business 
it of course takes up my whole time and 
completely occupies my mind, so that at 
present I am as dull commonplaced a fellow 
as ever figured upon Change. When I once 
more emerge from the mud of Liverpool, and 
shake off the sordid cares of the Counting 
House, you shall hear from me. 

Indeed the present life I lead is utterly 

destitute of anecdote, or anything that could 

furnish interest or embellishment to a letter — 

& my imagination is too much jaded by 

pounds shillings and pence to be able to invent 

facts or adorn realities. 

By my last letter from Peter I learn that he 
140 



LIVERPOOL, OCTOBER 17th 1815 

was about to leave Harrowgate & limp toward 
Birmingham. His health was generally better, 
but his inveterate rheumatic complaint still 
torments him and renders him so much a crip- 
ple that he can scarcely walk about the room. 

I am in hope of being able to visit the good 
folks at Birmingham in a little while & shall 
feel right glad to turn my back upon Liverpool 
for a season. I have been too much occupied 
here to think much of society or amusement, 
otherwise I should have found the place rather 
triste. As I did not expect to pass any time 
in Liverpool, I brought out no letters for the 
place & of course know scarce any one except 
those with whom I have dealings in business. 
I have experienced very hospitable treatment 
from Mr. Woolsey, Davidson & Macgregor 
& find honest Richards' house quite a hom.e. 
But there is a great lack of companions of my 
own taste and turn. 

I have become very well acquainted with 

the Graemes and am very much pleased with 

141 



m 

LIVERPOOL, OCTOBER 17th 1815 

them — Lawrence Graeme has lately returned 
home on furlough. I am sorry he was not 
able to pass through N York on his return 
from Canada — he appears to be a very fine 
young man. Miss Grace is as blooming as 
Hebe. She is very much given to write 
poetry, not withstanding the severe criticisms 
of the Old Colonel, who like honest Burchell, 
cries fudge! at the end of every stanza. 

Renwick is still in Scotland figuring amongst 
the Caledonian Hunts. I have not had a letter 
from him since his departure for the North, 
but hear of him occasionally through David- 
son. I expect he has mounted a pair of 
Leather Breeches and is playing off the know- 
ing one of the turf. 

I have not heard anything of little Madame 
Bonaparte for sometime. My last accounts 
mentioned her as being still at Cheltenham 
enjoying herself greatly. The Wiggins were 
likewise there, honest Wiggins confined to 

his room by the rheumatism. 

142 



LIVERPOOL, OCTOBER 17th 1815 

Johnson is still in Liverpool. I occasionally 
meet him at Dinner & on Change — and we 
talk over old times and the many illustrious 
events that happened under his merciful & 
glorious government. 

I hope you will accept this as an apology 
for a letter. I am writing in real hurry — give 
my affectionate remembrances to Mrs. & Miss 
Bradish & Miss Claypoole if still with you & 
my hearty regards to the household. 

Your friend 

W. L 



143 



LIVERPOOL, NOVEMBER 2^ 1815 
Liverpool, Nov. 2- 1815. 

DEAR BREVOORT: — 

Mr. Richards put in my hands some few 
days since a letter from you, ordering a num- 
ber of Books. As honest Richards seldom 
meddles with any books beyond his counting 
house library he handed the order to me 
requesting I would attend to it. 

I have put it in the hands of Mr. Muncaster, 

a Bookseller of this place, who will gather 

together the works, and get as many of them 

as possible in sheets, that they may be bound 

up here, according to my directions. He has 

promised to put them at as favorable terms 

as they could be procured from any of the 

trade. He is the Bookseller from whom Peter 

has been in the habit of procuring all the 

periodical and other publications sent out to 

me for two or three years past, and is very 

fair and reasonable in his dealings. As 

Murray is not the publisher of the greater 

part of the works, he would not be able to af- 

144 



LIVERPOOL, NOVEMBER 2^ 1815 

ford them cheaper than Mr. Muncaster. They 
shall be forwarded to you as soon as possible. 

I wish I had anything interesting or agree- 
able to tell you, but I have been for some time 
past completely occupied in the concerns of 
our Liverpool establishment, and as I am a 
novice in business, they have engrossed my 
whole attention and render me good for 
nothing else. Peter is in Birmingham where 
I hope to join him next week, and have a little 
relaxation from my labours. I anticipate 
much gratification from the assemblage of our 
family forces in the redoubtable castle of the 
Van Tromps. 

I was introduced a day or two since to Mrs. 
Wood, lately returned from Scotland, one of 
the ladies of New Abbey, where you used to 
figure during your Scottish campaign. She 
appears to be a very frank, pleasant woman 
and I have no doubt I shall be still more 
pleased on further acquaintance. 

The Graeme and his clan are all well. The 

VOL. I. — 10. 145 



y 



LIVERPOOL, NOVEMBER 2^ 1815 

fair Grace continues most desperately poetical, 
in spite of the criticisms of the old Colonel 
and the rest of the family, who treat her poor 
Muse in the most unfeeling manner. I have 
unfortunately got entangled in an obstinate 
critical warfare with her on a passage in one of 
her poems, where she compares the eye of her 
hero to a sparkling gem set in a pearly sea. 
To this I objected most stoutly, inasmuch as 
I have never heard of anything set in the sea 
except the sun. I would allow her hero a 
pearly tear, or what was more probably the 
case, a drop in his eye, or if she pleased a 
cataract, but as to having a sea in his eye, it 
was altogether inadmissible — unless he was 
some aspiring dignitary of the Church. 

The Colonel's son George is home on fur- 
lough. He was wounded in the Battle of 
Waterloo — ^he is a fine animated handsome 
little fellow and extremely agreeable. The 
Colonel's little family group is unconsciously 

pleasing and interesting. 

146 



-♦ I 



LIVERPOOL, NOVEMBER 2^ 1815 

Andrew Hamilton arrived here about a 
fortnight since and has gone up to London, 
from whence, when regularly equipped and 
fitted out he was to go to Cheltenham where 
Mrs. O'Berne has been passing the fashion- 
able season. I have heard nothing of Mad. 
Bonaparte excepting that she was fashionable 
at Cheltenham and had taken lodgings sepa- 
rate from the Wiggins 's. Johnson is still in 
Liverpool and will remain here some time 
longer. Peter Ogden is likewise here and 
waxing very fat. James Renwick is playing 
the roaring blade in Scotland. I am told by 
good authority that he has fleeced all the old 
ladies in Dumfries at cards — and has got the 
character among them of a perfect leg. 

Yours ever 

W. L 



147 



BIRMINGHAM, DECEMBER 28^^ 1815 
Birmingham, Dec. 28- 18 15. 

DEAR BREVOORT: — 

It is a long while since I have heard from 
you, and since your last, we have been very 
uneasy in consequence of hearing of your 
being dangerously ill. Subsequent accounts, 
however, have again put you on your legs and 
relieved us from our anxiety. I have lately 
been on a short visit to London ; merely to see 
sights and visit public places. Our worthy 
friend, Johnson, and his brother arrived in 
town while I was there, and we were frequently 
together. The Governor enjoyed the amuse- 
ments of London with high zest, and like 
myself, was a great frequenter of the theatres 
— particularly when Miss O'Nealle performed. 
We both agreed that were you in England 
you would infallibly fall in love with this 
"divine perfection of a woman." She is, to 
my eyes, the most soul subduing actress I 
ever saw. I do not mean from her personal 
charms, which are great, but from the truth, 



BIRMINGHAM, DECEMBER 28th 1815 

force and pathos of her acting. I never have 
been so completely melted, moved and over- 
come at a theatre as by her performances. 
I do not think much of the other novelties 
of the day. Mrs. Mardyn, about whom much 
has been said and written, is vulgar without 
humour and hoydenish without real whim 
and vivacity. She is pretty, but a very bad 
actress. Kean — the prodigy — is to me in- 
sufferable. He is vulgar — full of trick and a 
complete mannerist. This is merely my 
opinion. He is cried up as a second Garrick 
— as a reformer of the stage, etc., etc., — it may 
be so. He may be right and all other actors 
wrong — this is certain, he is either very good 
or very bad. I think decidedly the latter; 
and I find no medium opinions concerning 
him. 

I am delighted with Young, who acts with 
great judgment, discrimination and feeling. 
I think him much the best actor at present 

on the English stage. His Hamlet is a very 

149 



BIRMINGHAM, DECEMBER 28th 1815 

fine performance, as is likewise his Stranger, 
Pierre, Chamout, etc. I have not seen his 
Macbeth, which I should not suppose could 
equal Cooper's. In fact in certain characters, 
such as may be classed with Macbeth, I do 
not think that Cooper has his equal in England. 
Young is the only actor I have seen that can 
be compared with him. I cannot help think- 
ing if Cooper had a fair chance, and the public 
were to see him in his principal characters, 
he would take the lead at one of the London 
theatres. But there is so much party work, 
managerial influence, and such a widely spread 
and elaborate system of falsehood and mis- 
representation connected with the London 
theatres, that a stranger who is not peculiarly 
favored by the managers, or assisted by the 
prepossessions of the public, stands no chance. 
I shall never forget Cooper's acting in Mac- 
beth last spring, when he was stimulated to 
exertion by the presence of a number of British 

officers. I have seen nothing equal to it in 

150 



BIRMINGHAM, DECEMBER 28th 1815 

England. Cooper requires excitement, to 
arouse him from a monotonous, commonplaced 
manner he is apt to fall into, in consequence 
of acting so often before indifferent houses. 
I presume the crowded audiences which I am 
told have filled our theatres this season, must 
bring him out in full splendour. 

While at London, I saw Campbell, who is 
busily employed printing his long promised 
work. The publisher has been extremely 
dilatory, and has kept poor Campbell linger- 
ing over the pages of this work for months 
longer than was necessary. He will in a 
little while get through with the printing 
of it, but it will not be published before 
spring. As usual, he is busy correcting, al- 
tering and adding to it, to the last, and 
cannot turn his mind to anything else until 
this is out of hand. 

I am writing this letter at the warehouse, 

while waiting for Van Wart to go home to 

dinner — he is nearly ready and I must con- 

151 



BIRMINGHAM, DECEMBER 28^1 1815 

elude; but will write to you again soon, and 
give you more chit-chat. 

Peter continues a cripple from the rheuma- 
tism and is confined to the house; I do not 
think he will be able to go abroad before 
spring. He, however, is very cheerful under 
his maladies. All the Van Tromps are well 
and in high spirits from the Christmas 
holidays. 

I saw Charles King and family the very day 

I left London, where they had just arrived. 

They were in fine health and spirits. They 

tell me James Renwick was enjoying himself 

in Edinburgh. I have not heard from him 

for a long time. I had a long letter from Mrs. 

Renwick some time since and meant to have 

answered it before this, but have not been in 

the letter writing mood. I shall soon however 

pay off all debts of the kind. Remember me 

affectionately to Mrs. and Miss Bradish and 

your family. I rejoice to hear Gouv Kemble 

has returned safe and hope his voyage has 

152 



BIRMINGHAM, DECEMBER 28^12 1815 

been advantageous, but the war was too short 
to yield much pickings. 
I am, dear Brevoort 

(in great haste and hunger) 

Affectionately yours 

W.I. 



153 



BIRMINGHAM, MARCH 15^1 1816 
Birmingham, March i$- 1816. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I have received your most kind letter of 
Feby loth and also the Magazines and News- 
papers forwarded by Mr. Selden. I believe 
I am also still in your debt for your letter of 
the I Jan'^; but indeed I have been so com- 
pletely driven out of my usual track of thought 
and feeling, by "stress of weather" in business 
that I have not been able to pen a single line 
on any subject that was not connected with 
traffic. I have therefore a host of friendly 
letters by me, unanswered, but shall now 
endeavour to reply to them without further 
procrastination. We have, in common with 
most American houses here, had a hard winter 
of it in many manners, owing to the cross pur- 
poses of last fall's business, and have been 
harassed to death to meet our engagements. 
I have never passed so anxious a time in my 
life — my rest has been broken & my health & 

spirits almost prostrated; but thank heavens 

154 



BIRMINGHAM, MARCH 15^]} 1816 

we have weathered the storm & got into smooth 

waters; and I begin to feel myself again. 

Brown has done wonders, and proved himself 

an able financeer, and, tho' a small man, a 

perfect giant in business. I cannot help 

maintaining that James Renwick has behaved 

in the most gratifying manner. At a time 

when we were exceedingly straightened I 

wrote to him begging to know if he could in 

any way assist us to a part of the amount we 

were deficient. He immediately opened a 

credit to us for the full amount, guaranteeing 

the payment of it and asking no security from 

us than our bare word. The manner in which 

this was done heightened the merit of it — from 

the contrast it formed to the extreme distrust 

and tenfold caution that had universally 

prevailed through the commercial world of 

England, in the present distressed times. I 

mention this because I know you will delight 

to hear an3rthing that tends to illustrate the 

worth of Renwick — whom, the more I know 

155 



BIRMINGHAM, MARCH 15th 1816 

of him, the more I find reason to value & 
admire. You mention that Ren wick's letters 
induce you to imagine that his spirits are 
depressed and harassed. I have not ob- 
served this — you know he is not one of those 
mercurial beings that are readily excited or 
cast down; and whatever may be the state of 
his mind, it has no remarkable operation on 
the even tenor of his deportment. I believe 
he has been worried with law business in 
England, which is not the most pleasant 
occupation : but he has been spending his win- 
ter very agreeably & advantageously in Edin- 
burgh, and is now on a short tour in France; 
on his return he will embark at Liverpool for 
New York, where he is very anxious to be. 

I was delighted with your information that 
Gouv Kemble intended coming out to remain 
at Liverpool. Peter has since had a letter 
from him confirming it, and it has occasioned 
great joy in the castle of the Van Tromps. 

What would I not give if you could likewise 

156 



BIRMINGHAM, MARCH 15th 1816 

join us; but it would be selfish to wish it; as 
I am sure your interest will be better consulted 
by remaining in New York; and eventually 
your happiness also. Whatever gratifica- 
tion you might derive from wandering for a 
while about Europe, the enjoyment would 
but be temporary; and dependent upon 
continual novelty & frequent change of plan; 
but the solid permanent happiness of life 
must spring from some settled home: and 
where would you find a home like N York? 

I declare to you, now that I find myself 
likely to be detained in Europe by iinexpected 
employment I often feel my heart yearning 
toward N York and the dear circle of friends 
I have left there. I recollect the thousand 
charms of existence which surrounded us 
there, and am astonished to think how in- 
sensible we were to them — but so it is, we are 
always regretting the past, or languishing for 
the distant ; every spot is fresh & green but the 

one we stand on. 

157 



BIRMINGHAM, MARCH 15*11 181 6 

Your account of James Paulding's engage- 
ment & probability of the marriage soon 
taking place somewhat surprised, but at the 
same time gratified me. I am satisfied 
Paulding's talents will secure his fortunes 
with the ruling party and he will make a good 
husband and be all the happier for the change 
of condition. It is what we must all come to 
at last. I see you are hankering after it, and 
I confess I have done so for a long time past. 
We are however past that period when a man 
marries suddenly & inconsiderately — we may 
be longer making a choice, and consulting the 
convenience & concurrence of every circtim- 
stance, but we shall both come to it sooner 
or later. I therefore recommend you to 
marry without delay — you have sufiicient 
means, connected with your knowledge & 
habits of business, to support a genteel 
establishment and I am certain that as soon 
as you are married you will experience a 

change in your ideas. All those vagabond, 

15S 



BIRMINGHAM, MARCH 15th 1816 

roving propensities will cease. They are the 
offspring of idleness of mind and a want of 
something to fix the feelings. You are like a 
bark without an anchor, that drifts about at 
the mercy of every vagrant breeze, or trifling 
eddy — get a wife & she'll anchor you. But 
don't marry a fool because she has a pretty 
face — and don't seek after a great Belle — get 
such a girl as Mary Baillie — or get her if you 
can; though I am afraid she has still an un- 
lucky kindness at heart for poor Bibby, which 
will stand in the way of her fortimes. I wish 
to God they were rich, and married, and 
happy. 

By the bye, Bibby arrived in London while 
I was there and put up at the same Hotel with 
me, so that we were daily together. He is 
shortly to make his dehut at Covent Garden 
in Sir Pertinax. It is a most hazardous 
attempt. I feel very anxious for his success, 
but entertain strong apprehensions that the 

public may not take his imitations in the right 

159 



BIRMINGHAM, MARCH is^J? 1816 

way. In these matters, it is all luck. I 
wished him to make his first appearance in 
some character suitable to his age, appearance 
& manner such as Belcom; which he would 
certainly play at least tolerably & prepossess 
by his personal advantages and appropriate 
deportment, & thus secure some foothold 
with the public — but he was determined to go 
for the whole & perhaps he is right. But 

should he fail, he falls into utter D n, 

whereas my plan would have given him a 
leading place in public opinion. 

Before this you will have learnt the fate of 
poor Angelica Livingston. — I will not make 
any trite remarks on such an event — ^in my 
short experience I have seen so many lovely 
beings swept from the circle of my intimacy 
that I almost have grown callous to the 
shock — but the news of poor Angelica's death 
reached me in a moment of loneliness & 
depression and affected me most deeply. I 

have heard that Serena's health is likewise 

160 t. 



:l 



BIRMINGHAM, MARCH 15^} 1816 

extremely delicate. — I hope she may take 
warning by the irreparable losses she has 
sustained, and take more care of her fragile 
frame, — she always looked too delicate and 
spiritual for this rough, coarse world. You 
say she often inquires after me. — Give her 
assurances of my constant recollection — she 
is the heroine of all my poetical thoughts 
where they would picture anything very 
feminine and lovely. But where is the hero 
of romance worthy to bear away so peerless 
a face? — Not among the worthy young traders 
of New York most certainly. 

I have had much gratification from the 
epistles of that worthy little Tar, Jack Nichol- 
son ; who I find still sighs in the bottom of his 
heart for the fair Serena; though he declares 
that his hopes do not aspire to such perfection. 
Why did not the Varlet bring home the head 
of Rais Hammida & lay it at her feet; that 
would have been a chivalric exploit few ladies 
could have withstood — and if Paulding had 



VOL. I. n. 



161 



BIRMINGHAM, MARCH 15th 1816 

only dished him up in full length (if I may be 
allowed the word) in a wood-cut in the Naval 
Chronicle like little David of yore with the 
head of Goliah in his fist, I think his suit 
would have been irresistible. In his last letter 
Nicholson talks something of the possibility 
of his visiting England this year. I hope 
government will keep him better employed, 
though I should receive him with open arms 
and be more than glad at the meeting. But 
I want him to continue in the career of honour 
and promotion and hope before many years 
to greet him as a Commodore. 

You desire me in your letters to give you 
anecdotes of characters that I meet with 
and of anything interesting or amusing that 
occurs in the course of my rovings. But 
in truth I had been so much engrossed by the 
cares of this world for some time past that I 
have not sought any society of the kind you 
are conscious about. My last stay in London 

which was for two months was a period of i 

162 



BIRMINGHAM, MARCH 15^11 1816 

great anxiety and I felt in no mood to form 
new acquaintances, or even to enjoy scenes 
around me. I seem to have lost my cast, 
and to have lost also all relish and aptitude 
for my usual pursuits. I hope to be able 
hereafter to give you more interesting letters. 
I think I shall visit Scotland this Summer, and 
if I can arrange matters shall previously make 
a short excursion to Paris, in May or June. 
My movements however must depend on 
various circumstances connected with busi- 
ness and Peter's health. He is still confined 
to the house ; but more from extreme delicacy, 
in consequence of long nursing, than from 
any positive indisposition. When the Spring 
advances & the weather becomes settled & 
warm he will be able to take air & exercise. 
I long to have him reinstated, that he may 
accompany me in my outdoor rambles. I 
almost begin to lose all idea of him as a man 
of health & vigour. 

During my last visit to London, as I was 



BIRMINGHAM, MARCH i5^Ji 1816 

one day strolling in Bond Street whom should 
I encounter but little cousin John, alias 
Tophet. You may be sure I was astonished 
at the reconnoitre; and not less pleased. The 
surprise was equal on his part, as he knew 
nothing of my being in England, and indeed 
had heard at one time that I was dead. He 
gave me another Volume of his eventful 
history; which certainly rivals that of Gil 
Bias. He is in great favour with the Governor 
of Trinidad, and has an office worth 2,000$ per 
ann. besides other casual employments which 
assist to keep him comfortable. He has come 
to England in quest of a new office which it 
was expected would be made by Parliament, 
this session — but as it does not at present 
seem probable he thinks of returning. I saw 
him almost daily during the remainder of my 
stay in town. He is just the same honest, 
warm hearted, queer, amusing little fish — and 
is full of his recollections of New York which 

he thinks rather a preferable place to heaven. 

164 



BIRMINGHAM, MARCH 15'Ji 1816 

When I was last in Liverpool (about 2 
mo?, since) your Books were in a state of great 
forwardness — I have not heard since about 
them but trust they must have been shipped. 
I shall write down on the subject & likewise 
attend to your request in purchasing & send- 
ing out others. 

You do not mention whether you are likely 
to make any arrangement with McTavish 
& the N. W. Company. I really feel great 
interest in your temporal as well as spiritual 
concerns and should like to know how you are 
making out in the world & what are your 
plans. If you remain in N York I think you 
ought to have some regular employment that 
should occupy part of your time and claim 
your personal attention. It would prevent 
that ennui of which you complain, and under 
which, in my days of Idleness I have so often 
suffered. Mere study will not do — it must 
be employment for the hands, where no great 
intellect is required ; so that it may be attended 



BIRMINGHAM, MARCH 15-^iJ 1816 

to in every mood of mind; and engage the 
attention when too enfeebled or relaxed for 
more intellectual pursuits. 

By letters from Johnson, at Liverpool, I 
find he is on the point of sailing for New York, 
to resume the Government of a Colony. I 
can fancy the great joy that will be diffused 
throughout the establishment on his return 
& would give more than I choose to mention 
to be present on the occasion. He will give 
you some idea of the gay dissipated life we lead 
in London; where he figured in great style in 
the west end of the town. 

I am very happy to hear that Mrs. Bradish 
and Eliza have recovered their health in a 
great degree, and hope to hear in my next 
letters of their perfect reestablishment. Give 
them my most affectionate regards and tell 
Mrs. Bradish that often & often this winter 
in London, when I have been suffering in my 
solitary chamber from a cold and indisposi- 
tion, have I wished myself under her fostering 

166 



■ I 
I 



BIRMINGHAM, MARCH 15th 1816 

care and partaking of her grand specific, wine 
whey. By the mass, I look back with as much 
longing to her bounteous establishment, as 
ever the children of Israel did to the flesh 
pots of Egypt, or Tom PhiHps, to Norton's 
kitchen. 

I wish you would give me a particular 
account of the whole household not forgetting 
old William, Fanny, and Flora & her offspring. 
— I hope the latter are cherished for my sake. 

I shall endeavour in a day or two to pay off 
my arrearages to Mrs. Ren wick for her long 
& delightful letter received last November. — 
I have not been in the vein of writing since 
or it should have long since been answered. 
William Renwick arrived in Liverpool during 
my absences so that I have not seen him. 

I have had also a very agreeable letter from 
Sam Swartwout giving a promising account of 
his farm and his little wife, both of which 
promise to be very productive. I hope he may 

have abundant cause of rejoicing from both. 

167 



BIRMINGHAM, MARCH 15^2 1816 

And now I must bring this garrulous scrawl 
to a conclusion, as I have many other letters 
to write now I am in the vein. — What a 
scrimble-scramble letter I have written ! How- 
ever, I have scribbled away just as I have been 
accustomed to talk to you — perfectly un- 
studied and unreserved, trusting to your 
friendship to excuse weaknesses and your 
discretion not to repeat confidings. Many 
parts of this letter I would not have trusted 
to any eye but yours, for though there are no 
matters of great secrecy, yet they are foolish 
thoughts & feelings that I would not wish 
repeated — so keep them to yourself. 

I wish you would send me the numbers of the 
Analectic Mag. that have the traits of Indian 
character — & the story of King Philip; like- 
wise a copy of the History of New York — send 
them by the first opportunity. 

By the bye I have never heard whether a 
quantity of music that Peter sent out for me, 

& which must have arrived shortly after I left 

168 



BIRMINGHAM, MARCH 15th 1816 

America, was ever delivered according to my di- 
rection to the Misses Livingston ; and if so, how 
it pleased. I wish you would let me know. 

And now, my dear fellow, with my best 
remembrances to your worthy parents and 
family I have only to give you the affectionate 
regards & hearty blessing of your friend 

W. I. 
P. S. I am highly pleased with a favourable 
account I have received from others as well as 
yourself, of little Newman. I have had no 
letter from him, at which I am disappointed, 
but suppose he did not know where I was 
exactly. I wish, should his Ship come to New 
York, you would be attentive to him & see if 
he wants any assistance in procuring Books; 
or anything that may be of real service to him 
in acquiring useful information. His other 
wants will be taken care of; and perhaps 
Decatur's idea is correct, — that young officers 
should be taught to live on their pay, as it 

makes them careful managers. 

169 



BIRMINGHAM, MARCH 15th 1816 

King Stephen must have arrived long before 
this letter with his cargo of live stock. I have 
seen none of the folks act that he has taken 
out; but should think that Barnes & his wife 
would be acquisitions. He offered Miss 
O'Neale 6,ooo£ for one year's engagement to 
perform in the American Theatres — but her 
engagements here would not permit her to 
accept the offer. She continues in great 
currency & is shortly to appear in comedy. 

Little Booth is well & often speaks of you — 
she has lost Fidele, who died of the gout in his 
stomach from high living — thank God for 
this dispensation — he was a cursed noisy 
nasty little cur though his little mistress took 
on sadly for his loss. 

Charles King & his family are all alive & 
merry in London where I have frequently the 
pleasure of seeing them. It was like being in 
New York to get among his joyous household. 

Farewell. 

W.I. 

170 



LIVERPOOL, APRIL 29th 1816 

Liverpool, April 2g'- 18 16. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I wrote you a rigmarole letter some time 
since from Birmingham. Since then I have 
been most of the time at Liverpool leading a 
most dreary life; for the hard times here 
make every body dismal. Peter is still at 
Birmingham, and the Spring has been so 
backward that he has not been able to trust 
his rheumatic limbs out of the house. 

Your books were forwarded some time since 
by Ogden Richards & Selden. They ought to 
have been sent out long before but the Book- 
seller sent the Box thro' mistake to our Ware- 
house instead of Richards', and our clerks 
had no directions concerning them. So they 
reclined quietly in a comer until my arrival. 
By this opportunity I send you the last num- 
ber of the Edinburgh Review, which is just 
out — it will come in the letter bag. There is 
a Surtout, close Bodied coat & Waist coat for 
you at our Counting House. I shall forward 



LIVERPOOL, APRIL 29th 18 16 

it by the Rosalie, Capt. Murray, to sail 8th 
of next month. 

I presume before this you have seen accounts 
from the London Papers of Bibby's first 
appearance in Sir Pertinax. The criticisms 
are favourable beyond my hopes. Even that 
stern critic the Examiner speaks in the highest 
terms of him. These favourable accounts 
are confirmed by a letter from Miss Booth to 
my Brother, who says "he acted excellently 
well." She says the Boxes were uncommonly 
brilliant; that there was occasional disturb- 
ance from the Galleries which were crowded 
by holiday people who had come to see a 
new afterpiece and who, not being able to 
hear themselves, determined that nobody else 
should. — ^At length the pit rose, hats waved, 
& pit & boxes united in applause long and loud, 
after which the piece went admirably; and he 
made his exit amidst ' ' the most general 
applause she ever heard." This is a very 

satisfactory account, as we may depend upon 

172 



LIVERPOOL, APRIL 29th 1816 

it — which we cannot do on newspaper 
criticisms. 

She added, "I don't know why the play has 
not yet been repeated; a few days I believe 
will decide the determination of the managers 
in his behalf. I hear they wish him to act 
some other character instead of Sir Pert]| 
which, if he does, he will be lost, for it will be 
the general opinion that he failed in that — 
and if he plays Shylock he brings Kean's 
friends upon him before he has sufficient hold 
of the town to crush any attempt of party." 

You see poor Bibby has his hands full and 
a very difficult card to play. These London 
managers are hard fellows to deal with. I 
should not be surprised if the real object is 
their wish to make a three years engagement 
with Bibby — which they hinted at when he 
first applied, in case he should succeed, but 
which he told me he should not agree to on 
any account. — One thing is certain, that it 
must do him great good with American audi- 



LIVERPOOL, APRIL 29th 18 16 

ences that he has played in a London theatre 
with success. 

Having said this much about Bibby, I have 
little more to add ; for I have nothing interest- 
ing new in the present round of my existence 
to write about. Davidson had a letter from 
James Renwick some days since, dated at 
Paris which he was about leaving for Holland 
on his way to England. I hope to see him 
here before long. 

Give my affectionate regards to Mrs. 
Bradish & the girls, and if the worthy Governor 
has returned, shake him heartily by the hand 
for me and give my good wishes to the rest of 
the household. 

Your friend 
W. I. 



174 



LIVERPOOL, MAY 9th 1816 

Liverpool, May p^ 1816. 
My dear brevoort: — 

By the Rosalie, under care of Capt. Murray, 
I sent a Trunk of clothes to my Brother Ebn- 
in which are a surtout, Blk. Coat and Blk. 
cloth waistcoat for you. I have also directed 
a Bookseller to send some books, in a paper 
parcel, to Messrs. Ogden, Richards & Selden 
to be forwarded to you — they will probably 
come by this ship. 

I have nothing new to tell you. I wrote to 
you recently, giving an account of Bibby's 
first appearance. He plays again tomorrow 
night in Shylock and Sir Archy. 

I was in hopes of hearing from you by the 

Rosalie, but was disappointed. A letter from 

you is like a gleam of sunshine through the 

darkness that seems to lower upon my mind. 

I am here alone, attending to business — and 

the times are so hard that they sicken my very 

soul. Good God, what would I give to be 

once more with you, and all this mortal coil 

175 



LIVERPOOL, MAY 9th 1816 

shuffled off of my heart. I must say however 
that I have received very kind attention from 
some of the Liverpool families of late & could 
easily form a very polite and agreeable circle 
of acquaintances — but the cares of business, 
in these gloomy times harass my mind & 
unfit me for society, and I have therefore 
avoided it as much as possible. There is one 
Lady here however, a Mrs. Rathbone with 
whom I am much pleased — she is amiable, 
intelligent, and has a charming simplicity of 
manners. She has the person and looks of our 
little friend Ann McMasters, and a few even- 
ings since I found her in a gown of a kind of 
mulberry coloured silk similar to that little 
Greatheart used to wear. All this made her 
look like an old acquaintance and there were a 
thousand recollections of home, and distant 
friends, & past scenes, conjured up by the 
trifling circumstance, that almost made my 
heart overflow. 

I met with a Mr. Shepherd at dinner some 
176 



LIVERPOOL, MAY 9M1 1816 

days since, he is a clergyman, a friend of 
Roscoe's, and one of the Literati of Liverpool. 
He is very excentric & facetious in conversa- 
tion. He has since sent me a book of his editing 
— accompanied with some civil compliments 
about my history of N York, and an invita- 
tion to dine with him at his residence in the 
country. I have evaded his invitation, for 
truly I am not in the vein just now. My dear 
Brevoort what would I not give to have you 
with me. In my lonely hours I think of the 
many many happy days we have passed 
together — and feel that there is no friend in 
the world to whom my heart turns so com- 
pletely as it does to you. For some time 
before I left New York I thought you had 
grown cold & indifferent to me. I felt too 
proud to speak frankly on the subject but it 
grieved me bitterly. Your letters have con- 
vinced me that I was mistaken, and they were 
like cordials to my feelings. 

I am writing very weakly & very gamilously 

VOL. I. 12. 177 



LIVERPOOL, MAY 9th 1816 

— but I have no restraint in writing to you — 
as I am convinced that what I write will 
be rec- with indulgence. You know all my 
failings & foolishness and regard them with a 
friendly eye ; but do not let any one else see my 
nonsense. 

In the trunk which contains the clothes is a 
number of Lord Byron's Hebrew Melodies. 
It is for Eliza Bradish — will you see that she 
gets it? Let me know how she & her mother 
and all the family do. 

Write to me, my dear fellow, as often as you 
have half an hour to bestow on an old friend. 

I expect James Renwick here in eight or ten 
days. I suppose he will soon take passage for 
America. 

Peter is still at Birmingham but I hope his 

health will permit him to come to Liverpool in 

about a week. 

Your friend 

W. I. 



178 



BIRMINGHAM, JULY i6th 1816 

Birmingham, July i6~ 1816. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I have tried repeatedly to arouse myself 
to the exertion of answering your long and 
delightfiil letter of May i8th, but found as 
often, that I might as well attempt to raise 
spirits from "the vasty deep" as to raise my 
own spirits to anything like animation. I 
have been so harassed & over ridden by the 
cares & anxieties of business for a long time 
past, that I have at times felt almost broken 
down in health and spirits. This was par- 
ticularly the case this spring, when I was 
•for a long time alone at Liverpool, brooding 
over the hardships of these disordered times. 
Peter's return to Liverpool enabled me to 
crawl out of the ttirmoil for a while, and I 
have for some time past been endeavouring 
to renovate myself in the dear little circle of 
my sister's family. I have attempted to 
divert my thoughts into other channels; to 

revive the literary feeling & to employ myself 

179 



BIRMINGHAM, JULY i6^Ji 1816 

with my pen; but at present it is impossible. 
My mind is in a sickly state and my imagina- 
tion so blighted that it cannot put forth a 
blossom nor even a green leaf — time & cir- 
cumstances must restore them to their proper 
tone. 

I thank you in the most heartfelt manner for 
your assistance to my worthy brother Eben- 
ezer. The difficulties he must experience give 
me more anxiousness than anything else. I 
hope he may be able to surmount them all, 
and that he may work through the present 
stormy season without any material injury. 

I am happy to find from your letter that 

your own circumstances are so good — as to 

your not having added much to your fortune 

since I left you, it is not a matter of concern. 

I was only apprehensive lest you should have 

experienced heavy losses in these precarious 

times — and your silence on the subject for a 

considerable while filled me with uneasiness. 

I rejoice in the confidence you express of your 

180 



BIRMINGHAM, JULY 16^11 1816 

future prospects, and in the intention you seem 
to entertain of forming a matrimonial con- 
nexion. I am sure it will be a worthy one; 
and though as a Bachelor I might lament you 
as lost to the fraternity, and feel conscious 
that some of those links were broken which 
as bachelors bound us together, yet I could 
not suffer myself to regret a change of situation 
which would give you so large an accession 
of domestic homeful enjoyment. As to my 
return to America, to which you advert in 
terms that fill my heart, I must say it partakes 
of that uncertainty which at this moment 
envelops all my future prospects — I must 
wait here awhile in a passive state, watching 
the turn of events, and how our affairs are 
likely to turn out. 

" My bread is indeed cast upon the waters'' — 
and I can only say that I hope to ''find it 
after many days.'' It is not long since I felt 
myself quite sure of fortune's smiles, and began 
to entertain what I thought very sober and 



BIRMINGHAM, JULY i6^Ji 1816 

rational schemes for my future comfort & 
establishment. At present, I feel so tempest 
tossed and weather beaten that I shall be 
content to be quits with fortune for a very- 
moderate portion and give up all my sober 
schemes as the dreams of fairy-land. But I 
will make no promises or resolutions at 
present, as I know they would be like those 
formed at Sea in a storm, which are forgotten 
as soon as we tread the shore or the weather 
grows propitious. This you may be assured of 
— all my ideas of home and settled life center 
in New York — and I have had too little pleas- 
ure or even comfort in England to wean me 
from that delightful little spot of earth. 

I have written this letter more to account 
for my not writing a better one. Indeed I 
have scarcely anything to write about even if I 
were in vein. I am merely vegetating for the 
present, and quite out of the way of interesting 
characters or interesting incidents. On my 

way up here from Liverpool, I came down by 

182 



BIRMINGHAM, JULY iG^li 1816 

Shrewsbury & stopped for a couple of days 
with a young gentleman of my acquaintance, 
at his father's seat a few miles beyond Chester 
on the border of Wales. In one of our morning 
strolls along the banks of the Alun, a beautiful 
little pastoral stream that rises along the Welsh 
Mountains & throws itself into the Dee, we 
encountered a Veteran angler of old Isaac 
Walton's school. He was an old Greenwich 
outdoor pensioner — had lost one leg in the 
battle at Camperdown, had been in America 
in his youth & indeed had been quite a rover, 
but for many years past had settled himself 
down in his native village not far distant, 
where he lived very independently on his 
pension & some other small annual sums 
amounting in all to about 4o£. His great 
hobby & indeed the business of his life was to 
angle — I found he had read Isaac Walton 
very attentively — he seemed to have imbibed 
all his simplicity of heart, contentment of mind 

and fluency of tongue. We kept company 

I S3 



BIRMINGHAM, JULY i6th 1816 

with him almost the whole day — wandering 
along the beautiful banks of the river, admir- 
ing the ease and elegant dexterity with which 
the old fellow managed his angle, throwing 
the fly with unerring certainty at a great dis- 
tance & among overhanging banks, and wav- 
ing it gracefully in the air to keep it from 
entangling, as he stumped with his staff & 
wooden leg from one bend of the river to 
another. He kept up a continual flow of 
cheerful and entertaining talk, and what I 
particularly liked him for was, that though 
we tried everyway to entrap him into some 
abuse of America & its inhabitants, there was 
no getting him to utter an ill natured word 
concerning us. His whole conversation and 
deportment illustrated old Isaac's maxims 
as to the benign influence of angling over the 
human heart. 

I wished continually that you had been 
present, as I know you would have enjoyed 

with exquisite relish, this genuine Angler, & 

184 



BIRMINGHAM, JULY i6th 1816 

the characteristic scenes through which we 
rambled with him. I ought to mention that 
he had two companions, one a ragged pictur- 
esque varlet, that had all the air of a veteran 
poacher & I warrant could have found every 
fish pond in the neighbourhood in the darkest 
night — the other was a disciple of the old 
philosopher's, studying the art under him & 
was son & heir apparent to the Landlady of 
the Village tavern. 

This amusing rencontre brought all the 
beauties of old Isaac Walton to my recollec- 
tion — and awakened so many pleasant associa- 
tions and rural feelings that I have had a 
hankering ever since to take a ramble in 
Derbyshire, where I believe the scene of his 
book is laid — and if I can only muster up 
spirits enough to take a solitary excursion for a 
week or ten days, I do not know but I shall go 
that way as soon as the rainy weather, which 
has prevailed for some two months past, has 
given place to a little gleam of summer and 

1^5 



BIRMINGHAM, JULY 16*11 1816 

sunshine. Should that be the case, I may pick 
up something in my rambles to scribble to 
you about — but it is very possible that dismal 
letters from N York may intervene & take 
away all disposition from the excursion. I 
cannot go into notice of the many very inter- 
esting anecdotes of my friends which your 
letter contains. I am much gratified by the 

prospects of McT s settling in N. Y. and 

making such an agreeable matrimonial con- 
nexion. The Catons arrived at Liverpool 
since I left there. Peter dined in company 
with them and was very much pleased with 
them. I shall make a point of cultivating the 
acquaintance of Betsey Caton should I meet 
with her & she be disposed to be sociable. As 

to your concern in business with McT 

I think it might prove a very advantageous 
connexion — and he is certainly a charming 
companion — but beware of partnerships — 
they throw you at the mercy of another 

person's discretion; over whose judgment or 

186 



BIRMINGHAM, JULY 16^!^ 1816 

inclination you may have no control. You 
can make your fortune without perplexing 
or thwarting yourself with anyone. From 
the little I have seen of business I am satisfied 
there is nothing that a man shotild be more 
wary & considerate about, than entering 
into partnership. 

Long before this reaches you Renwick will 
have returned and you will have had many a 
long talk with him about his travels. I have 
not been able to enjoy his society in Europe 
as I expected. We made a charming tour in 
Wales together last summer — and I had antici- 
pated a delightful journey to Scotland; but 
I had to halt in Liverpool to attend to business, 
and then again I have troubles. 

Remember me affectionately to Mrs. Ren- 
wick and her family. I envy you the happy 
hours you will pass at their summer retreat. 
I recollect the place as a beautiful one — but 
Mrs. Renwick has a talent of diffusing happi- 
ness around her wherever she is. 

187 



BIRMINGHAM, JULY i6th 1816 

I must also beg you to remember me most 
heartily to my worthy inmates at Mrs. Bra- 
dishes, particularly that good man & true Gov- 
Wharton, who I hope will never have need to 
break the Guinea he got from me in London. 
I trust his worthy compeer Walker is yet with 
you, as usual on the wing for Virginia. I hope 
to find him unflown on my return. 

I wrote some time since to Eliza Bradish and 
hope the letter reached her in safety, as I 
would not have all the secrets it contained 
known to the world on any account. Give my 
warmest remembrances to her and her mother, 
and intreat the latter to refrain from further 
purchases, lest she ruin herself with good 
bargains. 

I am extremely pained to hear from you of 

the continued ill health of Serena L If 

her father wishes to preserve her from fol- 
lowing the lovely beings that have been swept 
from her side — he should send her at once to 

the south of France — were she to go out there 

188 



BIRMINGHAM, JULY i6il2 1816 

in the early part of the Autumn and remain in 
those climates until next summer she might be 
fully restored — but the misfortune is that 
these expeditions are always taken too late. 
I beg you to give my particular remembrances 
to her and her sisters. 

This is a sad lackadaisical scrawl but I had 
no idea, when I began that I should have 
been able to scrawl so much. Do not let the 
meagreness of my letters discourage you from 
writing. In my present listless & comfortless 
state of mind your letters are inexpressively 
gratifying — and the last I received I have kept 
by me as a cordial against low spirits. 

Give my sincere regards to your worthy 
parents and your sister and believe me my 
dear fellow 

Most truly yours 
W. I. 

If that worthy little Tar Jack Nicholson 

is with you tell him I return him a thou- 

189 



BIRMINGHAM, JULY i6th 1816 

sand thanks for his letter and will answer it 
soon. 

I am afraid that we must give up all expec- 
tation of seeing Gouv Kemble out here. — 
The disappointment will be great to us all; 
but I hope his present scheme will be a profit- 
able one, in which case I shall not repine — I 
would write to him but he is such a bird of 
passage that it is like shooting flying; there is 
no knowing when a letter would reach him. 
'^ I shall be happy to hear that James K. P. 

is married to G and divorced from the 

Analectic. I think James is in the way of 
fortune and prefeiTaent, if he has spirit & 
judgment to manage his opportunities, & I 
think he will make a good husband & she 
certainly will make an excellent wife. But his 
connexion with the magazine, tho' it yields 
present profit, is I am afraid of no advantage 
to his literary reputation, for the Naval 
Chronicle is, in every respect, executed in his 

worst style. 
A 190 



BIRMINGHAM, NOVEMBER 6^^ 1816 
Birmingham, Nov. 6— 1816. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I received some time since your letter of 

Sept. 8th, and feel most grateful for these 

repeated proofs of kind recollections especially 

when I consider the poor returns I make. 

You threaten to charge me with something 

more than want of punctuality if I do not write 

oftener and I am sensible my silence exposes 

me to many hard imputations, but I cannot 

help it — I can only say it is not for want of 

having you continually in my thoughts and 

near my heart, nor for want of the constant 

desire and frequent resolve to write. But 

some how or other there has been such a 

throng of worldly cares hurrying backward & 

forward through my mind for a long time 

past, that it is even as bare as a market place; 

and when I do take hold of my pen, I feel so 

poverty struck, such mental sterility, that I 

throw it down again in despair of writing 

anything that should give you gratification. 

191 



BIRMINGHAM, NOVEMBER 6*^ 1816 

In fact I was always a poor precarious animal 
— ^but am just now worse than ever. So 
bear with my present delinquency & perhaps 
at some future moment, when the fit is on me 
and I am fresh of thought & ready of word (as 
I sometimes am when I least expect it) I will 
repay you tenfold. 

In my last letter, which I am ashamed to say 
was written so long ago as July last, I talked 
of an excursion into Derbyshire and promised 
you particulars if anything presented worth 
writing about. 

Not having been in a narrative mood since 
my return, I have suffered so long a time to 
elapse, that impressions made on my mind 
have been effaced — incidents have lost the 
freshness of novelty and all the little associa- 
tions of thought, & feeling & fancy that con- 
stitute the enjoyment of a ramble and the 
charm of its recital have completely evapo- 
rated. To attempt to give you a detail there- 
fore would be useless, though I cannot help 

1 02 



BIRMINGHAM, NOVEMBER 6*11 1816 

talking a little about it, as I have scarcely 
anything else to furnish out a letter, and as I 
know it will bring up a thousand agreeable 
recollections to your mind of similar rambles 
you have taken in this country. 

According to arrangements made by letter 
with Peter I met him at Buxton, to which 
place he travelled from Liverpool, in the 
identical Tilbury in which you and he per- 
formed your Scottish peregrinations. I ar- 
rived rather late in the evening so that he had 
dined & gone out ; but as I knew his old haunts 
I asked the way to the theatre & was shewn 
to what had once been a barn, but was now 
converted to the seat of Empire & the epitome 
of all the Kingdoms of the earth. Here I 
found Peter enjoying with the most perfect 
complacency & satisfaction, some old stock 
play, which he had seen performed a hundred 
times by the best actors in the world, & which 
was now undergoing murder & profanation 

from the very worst. You know of old his 
VOL. I.— 13. 193 



BIRMINGHAM, NOVEMBER 6th 1816 

accommodating palate in this particular; and 
what relishing appetite he will either "feed 
on the mountain" or "batten on the moor." 
The worst of the matter however is, that in his 
unbounded good will towards the vagrant race, 
he takes the whole company under his pro- 
tection and won't allow you to laugh at any 
of them. This troop seemed almost an estab- 
lishment — the Manager, his wife & daughter 
performed in the play and four of his children 
danced a garland dance. I understood the 
establishment was somewhat on the plan of 
poor Twaits' theatrical commonwealth — & the 
company divided on an average of about 7/6 
each per week. 

At the hotel where we put up we had a most 
singular & whimsical assemblage of beings. 
I don't know whether you were ever at an 
English watering place, but if you have not 
been, you have missed the best opportunity 
at studying English oddities, both moral and 

physical. — I no longer wonder at the English 

194 



BIRMINGHAM, NOVEMBER 6th 1816 

being such excellent caricaturists, they have 
such an inexhaustible number & variety of sub- 
jects to study from. The only care should be 
not to follow fact too closely for I'll swear I 
have met with characters & figures that would 
be condemned as extravagant; if faithfully 
delineated by pen or pencil. At a watering 
place like Buxton where people really resort 
for health, you see the great tendency of the 
English to run into excrescences and bloat out 
into grotesque deformities. As to noses I 
say nothing of them, though we had every 
variety. Some snubbed and turned up, with 
distended nostrils, like a dormer window on 
the roof of a house — others convex and twisted 
like a Buck handled knife & others magnifi- 
cently efflorescent like a full blown cauliflower. 
But as to the persons that were attached to 
their noses, fancy every distortion, tuberance 
& pompous embellishment that can be pro- 
duced in the human form by high and gross 
feeding, by the bloating operations of malt 

195 



BIRMINGHAM, NOVEMBER 6^± 1816 

liquors, by the rheuming influence of a damp 
foggy vaporish climate. One old fellow was 
an exception to this, for instead of acquiring 
that expansion and sponginess to which old 
people are prone in this country from the long 
course of internal & external soaking they 
experience, he had grown dry & stiff in the 
process of years. The skin of his face had so 
shrunk away that he could not close eyes or 
mouth — the latter therefore stood on a per- 
petual ghastly grin; and the former on an 
incessant stare. He had but one serviceable 
joint in his body which is at the bottom of the 
back bone, and that creaked & grated when- 
ever he bent. He could not raise his feet 
from the ground, but skated along the drawing 
room carpet, whenever he wished to ring the 
bell. The only signs of moisture in his whole 
body was a pellucid drop that I occasionally 
noticed on the end of a long dry nose. He 
used generally to shuffle about in company 
with a little fellow who was fat on one side and 



BIRMINGHAM, NOVEMBER 6^^ 1816 

lean on the other. That is to say, he was 
warped on one side as if he had scorched before 
the fire; he had a wry neck, which made his 
head lean on one shoulder — his hair was snugly 
powdered and he had a round, smirky smiling 
apple face with a bloom on it like that of a 
frost bitten leaf in Autumn. We had an old 
fat general by the name of Trotter who had, 
I suspect, been promoted to his high rank to 
get him out of the way of more able and active 
officers, being an instance that a man may 
occasionally rise in the world through absolute 
lack of merit. I could not help watching the 
movements of this redoubtable Old Hero, who, 
I'll warrant had been the champion & safe 
guard of half the garrison towns in England, 
and fancying to myself how Bonaparte would 
have delighted in having such toast & butter 
generals to deal with. This old lad is doubt- 
less a sample of those generals that flourished 
in the old military school — when armies would 

manoeuvre & watch each other for months; 

197 



BIRMINGHAM, NOVEMBER 6th 1815 

now and then have a desperate skirmish and 
after marching & countermarching about the 
"low countries" through a glorious campaign, 
retire on the first pinch of cold weather, into 
snug winter quarters in some fat Flemish town, 
and eat & drink & fiddle through the winter. 
Boney must have sadly disconcerted the 
comfortable system of these old warriors 
by the harassing restless cut & slash mode of 
warfare that he introduced. He has put an 
end to all the old carte ayid tierce system in 
which the cavaliers of the old school fought so 
decorously as it were with a small sword in one 
hand and a chapeau in the other. During his 
career there has been a sad laying on the shelf 
of old generals who could not keep up with the 
hurry, the fierceness and dashing of the system ; 
and among the number I presume has been 
my worthy housemate old Trotter. The old 
gentleman, in spight of his warlike title, had a 
most pacific appearance. He was large and 
fat — with a broad hazy massive face, a sleepy 



BIRMINGHAM, NOVEMBER 13th 1816 

eye and a full double chin. He had a deep 
ravine from each corner of his mouth, not 
occasioned by any irascible contraction of the 
muscles, but apparently the deep worn chan- 
nels of two rivulets of gravy that oozed out 
from the huge mouthfuls that he masticated. 
But I forbear to dwell on the odd beings that 
were congregated together in our Hotel. I 
have been thus prolix about the old general 
because you desired me in one of your letters 
to give you ample details whenever I appeared 
to be in company with the "great and glorious " 
and old Trotter is more deserving of the 
epithets than any other personages I have 
lately encountered. 



Nov. 13th. From the foregoing scribbling 
you will perceive that after setting out with 
many apologies for having nothing to say, I 
had absolutely got into a most garrulous vein, 
and had I not been interrupted I believe I 



I9Q 



BIRMINGHAM, NOVEMBER 13^1 1816 

shoiild have scribbled off a very long & very 
flippant letter. I was obliged however to 
break off to attend to some other matter and 
have not been able since to get into the nar- 
rative vein again. As I hear the Pacific is 
about sailing from Liverpool I must e'en 
hurry off this letter as it is, lest another long 
period elapse before you get a line from me. 
Should I at any time feel in the mood to give 
you some more Derbyshire Sketches I will 
not fail to take pen in hand. 

I must now say a word or two in reply to 
your letter of the 8th SeptI! I rejoice to find 
that Mac is absolutely linked to Miss Caton, 
and wish all happiness to their union. I have 
not met with the Catons in England, though I 
have heard of them. They were greatly ad- 
mired & noticed at Cheltenham. The Duke 
of Wellington paid them particular attention 
to the great annoyance of many dowagers 
who had daughters anxious for fashion & 
notoriety. 



BIRMINGHAM, NOVEMBER 13th 1816 

Your account of the brevity of the old 
lady's nether garments really distresses me — 
what will become of the world when these 
land marks of primitive decorum & staid 
discretion are carried away by the tide of 
fashion. If she does not return to her former 
sobriety of apparel and demean herself like a 
most grave & reverend young gentlewoman, 
I insist that you take Flora from under her 
guardianship. By the way, I cannot help 
observing that this fashion of short skirts 
must have been invented by the French ladies 
as a complete trick upon John Bull's "women- 
folk. " It was introduced just at the time 
the English flocked in such crowds to Paris. 
The French women you know are remarkable 
for pretty feet and ankles and can display 
them in perfect serenity. The English are 
remarkable for the contrary. Seeing the 
proneness of the English women to follow 
French fashions, they therefore led them into 

this disastrous one; and sent them home with 

201 



BIRMINGHAM, NOVEMBER 13* 1816 

their petticoats up to their knees exhibiting 
such a variety of sturdy little legs, as would 
have afforded Hogarth an ample choice to 
match one of his assemblages of queer heads. 
It is really a great source of curiosity & amuse- 
ment on the promenade of a Watering place, to 
observe sturdy English women, trudging about 
in their stout leather shoes, and to study the 
various understandings brought to view by this 
mischievous fashion. 

I must conclude as this scrawl will be too 
long. When you write next let me know 
something about the movements of that great 
Scavenger Swartwout & how his peat marshes 
came on, how are Mr. & Mrs. Cooper making 
out, where he is acting &c; what is Charles 
Nicholson doing — &c. 

Remember me most affectionately to Mrs. 
Renwick and her family & let me know when 
the worthy professor quits this transitory state 
— of celibacy. 

Give my warmest regards to your good lady 



BIRMINGHAM, NOVEMBER 13^11 1816 

Hostess, and also the ladies of the little 
parlour. — I wrote to the old gentlewoman a 
long while since, when I sent her Moore's 
Sacred Melodies. I expect an answer from 
her. — Remember me to Johnson & the rest of 
the household. 

Yours most heartily 
W. I. 



203 



BIRMINGHAM, DECEMBER 9th 1816 
Birmingham, Dec. Q—1816. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

Since I last wrote I have received your letter 
of October i6th. I congratulate you with all 
my soul on the marriage of yotir sister with 
our invaluable friend Renwick. It cannot 
but prove a happy union, and must add largely 
to your means of domestic happiness. I trust, 
my dear fellow, providence is laying a solid 
foundation for the welfare of yourself and 
your relatives and that you will all go on to 
flourish in well merited and honorable pros- 
perity. 

I feel deeply sensible of the sympathy you 
evince in my cares and troubles. I assure 
you however that they were chiefly occasioned 
by my apprehensions for my connections, and 
being now confident that my brothers in New 
York will be able to weather the storm and 
spread their sails cheerily on the return of fair 
weather, I shall not let present difficulties 
give me any uneasiness. I thank you again 

204 



BIRMINGHAM, DECEMBER 9^11 1816 

and again for your kind assistance to my 
worthy brother the Major. He is one of the 
most excellent little men living and I feel any 
good office done to him ten times more than 
if it were rendered to myself. I beg you will 
continue to give him an occasional call. Your 
advice will often be of service to him as you 
have a better idea of general business than he 
probably has, from his being exclusively oc- 
cupied by one branch of trade. 

Frank Ogden and his brother Peter passed 
a couple of days in Birmingham, not long 
since. Frank gave me a great many enter- 
taining anecdotes about the establishment at 
the Battery and its dependent colony, and 
made me completely homesick. Your letters 
also, have frequently the same effect. They 
contain so many allusions to old jokes that 
have passed between us — so many character- 
istic sketches of persons and scenes about 
which we have so often gossiped and laughed 

in our little chamber councils, that they 

205 



BIRMINGHAM, DECEMBER gi^ 1816 

awaken a thousand recollections and delight- 
ful associations. After all, it is the charm of 
existence to have some crony who exactly 
jumps with our humour; in whose company 
we can completely unbutton and throw loose 
the garb of cautious reserve in which our 
minds are generally so straightly clad — and 
can give every thought and whim free scope. 
I do delight in these snug confidings, wherein 
we canvas the events of the day and amuse 
ourselves with the odd characters and cir- 
cumstances we have witnessed. It is really 
doubling existence, and living over past 
moments with increased enjoyment; for there 
seems to be more brightness in the reflected 
gleams of gay hours, than there was in their 
original sunshine. 

You will smile when I tell you that, after 
all the grave advice once I gave you about 
getting married, I really felt regret on fancying, 
from the purport of one of your letters, that 

you had some serious thoughts of the kind; 

206 



BIRMINGHAM, DECEMBER g^h 1816 

and that I have indulged in selfish congratula- 
tion on finding nothing in your subsequent 
letters to warrant such an idea. All this too, 
notwithstanding that I wish you happiness, 
and am certain that the married state is most 
likely to insure it. But we are all selfish 
beings. Fortune by her tardy favours and 
capricious freaks seems to discourage all my 
matrimonial resolves, and, if I am doomed to 
live an old bachelor, I am anxious to have good 
company. I cannot bear that all my old 
companions should launch away into the mar- 
ried state and leave me alone to tread this 
desolate and sterile shore and it is a consoling 
and a cherished thought with me, under every 
vicissitude; that I shall still be able to return 
home, nestle down comfortable beside you, 
and have wherewithal to shelter me from the 
storms and buffetings of this uncertain world. 
Thank heaven I was brought up in simple and 
inexpensive habits, and I have satisfied myself 

that, if need be, I can resume them without 

207 



BIRMINGHAM, DECEMBER 9th 1816 

repining or inconvenience. Though I am 
willing, therefore, that fortune should shower 
her blessings upon me, and think I can enjoy 
them as well as most men, yet I shall not make 
myself unhappy if she chooses to be scanty, 
and shall take the portion allotted me with a 
cheerful and contented mind. I am writing 
you a queer rigmarole letter containing no 
news in return for your delightful letters which 
are perfect chronicles of domestic events. 
You have the best knack of writing domestic 
letters of any one I know — every sentence 
presents me a picture, or gives me a bulletin 
about some one or another of my friends and 
the very careless, ready manner in which they 
are dashed off gives them truth and spirit. 
I wish I had something to give you in exchange, 
but just now I am sterile. Birmingham anec- 
dotes would give you little entertainment. 
Yet I must say I have found many good people 
here, and some few that are really choice. 

Among them I must especially mention my 

208 



BIRMINGHAM, DECEMBER 9^± 1816 

particular friend the Revd. Rann Kennedy, 
of whom I may some day or other give you a 
more full account. He is a most eccentric 
character, and is both my admiration and 
amusement. He is a man of real ge?iius — 
preaches admirable sermons — and has for a 
long time past been on the point of producing 
two or three poetic works, though he has not 
as yet committed any of his poetry to paper. 
He however says he has it all in his brain — and 
indeed has occasionally recited some passages 
of it to Peter and myself that have absolutely 
delighted us. With all this he has the naivete 
of a child; is somewhat hypochondriacal and 
in short is one of the queerest mortals living. 
He is a great favourite of Doctor Parr's and 
is very anxious to make me acquainted with 
that formidable old Grecian. He has two or 
three likenesses of Parr hanging about his 
house and the old fellow is a great deal at 
Kennedy's when in Birmingham to the great 
annoyance of Miss Kennedy. For Parr is a 

VOL. I.— 14. 209 



BIRMINGHAM, DECEMBER 9th 1816 

great gourmand and epicure and when he dines 
with any of his particular friends is very apt 
to extend his domineering spirit to the con- 
cerns of the larder and the kitchen, and order 
matters to his own palate; an assumption of 
privilege which no true housewife can tolerate. 
I have not seen Peter for four months past. 
In fact not since our little excursion into 
Derbyshire, which I delight to look back upon, 
as a green spot in this barren year. I should 
have joined him before this at Liverpool but 
he has been continually giving us hopes of his 
coming up here, and we now look confidently 
for him in a day or two to remain and eat his 
Christmas dinner with us. You cannot think 
how heartfelt the gratification is at these little 
family assemblages, particularly with us who 
are "strangers and sojourners in the land" 
and see nothing but gloom and troubles 
around us. You have no idea of the distress 
and misery that prevails in this country; it 

is beyond the power of description. In 

210 



BIRMINGHAM, DECEMBER 9^]} 1816 

America you have financial difficulties, the em- 
barrassments of trade and the distress of mer- 
chants but here you have what is far worse, the 
distress of the poor — not merely mental suf- 
ferings — but the absolute miseries of nature, 
hunger, nakedness, wretchedness of all kinds 
that the labouring people in this country are 
liable to. In the best of times they do but 
subsist, but in adverse times they starve. 
How this country is to extricate itself from its 
present embarrassments, how it is to emerge 
from the poverty that seems to be over- 
whelming it, and how the government is to 
quiet the multitudes that are already tur- 
bulent and clamorous, and are yet but in the 
beginning of their real miseries, I cannot con- 
ceive, but I have somehow or other rambled 
away into a theme which would neither edify 
nor amuse you, so we will not pursue it. 

I have ordered Mr. Muncaster to forward 
the books you wrote for and shall occasionally 
send such new works as I think you may 



BIRMINGHAM, DECEMBER gill 1816 

relish; except it be such light popular works 
as are likely to be immediately reprinted in 
America at a much cheaper rate. 

The books lent me by Colonel Gibbs are at 
Liverpool and when I go down there I will 
pack them up and take care that he shall 
receive them in good order. You may tell 
him I shall be happy to be of any service to 
him in Europe. 

I wish when next you see Mrs. Renwick, 
you would give her my congratulations on the 
various changes and increasings of her family. 
I think I can see her, the centre of a happy 
domestic system, which is seasoned and glad- 
dened by the emanations of her generous heart. 
God bless her! say I — and grant that the 
happiness she delights to shed around her 
may all be reflected back upon herself — 
and then I'm sure she will be the happiest of 
mortals. 

Remember me likewise to your worthy 
parents, who are enjoying the greatest bless- 



BIRMINGHAM, DECEMBER 9th 1816 

ing of old age, that of seeing their children 
prosperous and happy. 

I feel greatly indebted to my good friend 
Mrs. Bradish for dreaming so often about me, 
and indeed I value it as no trifling visitation 
of kindness & good will, that she who has so 
many domesticated with her occasionally, 
should bestow such particular recollection 
upon me. I am glad to hear such favorable 
accounts of Eliza's health, and that the dissipa- 
tion of Elizabethtown has agreed with her so 
well. How I should delight to spend a cosy 
hour in the little parlour! Well, well! We 
shall all get together again by and bye and 
have merry times once more. 

You mention the prosperity of the theatre. 

I wish you could interest yourselves for the 

Johnsons, they are old friends of mine and 

both Peter and myself are very anxious for 

their success. Ellen Johnson is a charming 

girl and I think must prove a good actress. 

I have never seen her perform. How is Bibby 

213 



BIRMINGHAM, DECEMBER 9th 1816 

making out? I presiinie he is giving touches 
of Kean as I perceive he acts some of Kean's 
characters. How does his affair with Mary 
Bailly go on? 

Give my best regards to the worthy Gover- 
nor and the rest of the household. I am 
my dear Brevoort yours ever 

W. I. 



214 










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LETTERS OF WASHINGTON IRVING 
TO HENRY BREVOORT 



Birmingham, Jany 2g'A i8iy. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I have your letter of the 21st Nov. which 
as usual is full of interesting matter about 
those I most love and care for. How much 
am I indebted to you for these repeated and 
persevering acts of friendship. I wish I could 
give you details equally interesting in return; 
but in my present monotony of life and almost 
torpor of intellect it is a matter of difficulty 
to finish out a letter. 

I have made an arrangement with Mess. 

Longman, Hurst & Co. to furnish me with 

Books at the same rate they supplied Renwick. 

The greater part of the old works you wrote 

for has been sold. They have sent me such as 

215 



BIRMINGHAM, JANUARY 29th 1817 

remained on hand, and a few others that I 
ordered from a supplementary catalogue. 
They publish a new catalogue shortly which I 
shall send you. I must beg your indulgence 
in retaining a few of these works by me for a 
little while, as I wish very much to look over 
them & presume you are not in immediate 
want of them, but only desire them to com- 
plete your library. I shall be very careful of 
them. Longman & Co. have promised to 
look out for the other works you ordered, and 
to send them to me as they come to hand. 

Peter passed the Holydays with us and 
returned to Liverpool about ten days since. 
He is in excellent health and we enjoyed o\ir- 
selves highly together in spite of hard times. 
I am in hopes he will be enabled to come up 
here again before long, if not I shall pay him 
a visit in Liverpool. The lady Baroness has 
enriched her husband with another son, and 
both mother and child are doing well. We 

shall have a famous troop of Van Tromps. 

216 



BIRMINGHAM, JANUARY 29th 1817 

They are all uncommonly fine children and a 
perpetual source of entertainment. We have 
generally a grand game of romps in the evening, 
between dinner & tea time, in the course of 
which I play the flute & the little girls dance. 
They are but pigmy performers, yet they 
dance with inimitable grace and vast good 
will, and consider me as the divinest musician 
in the world. So thank heavens I have at 
last found auditors who can appreciate my 
musical talents. 

You wish to know whether in visiting the 
banks of the Dove I was animated by the 
recollections of honest old Isaak Walton. I 
assure you I bless the memory of that illus- 
trious old angler a thousand times for having 
suggested to me an excursion fraught with the 
most pleasurable incidents. Among these 
our ramble thro' Dove Dale was peculiarly 
delightful. Peter & myself went over there 
from Matlock. At the last place we had 

become slightly acquainted with old Bishop 

217 



BIRMINGHAM, JANUARY 29th 1817 

Bathurst of Norwich & his family, Sir Thomas 
Williams (vice admiral of the Blue) & his lady 
& a few others, who seemed disposed to be 
very civil. 

It was the good fortune of Peter & myself 
just after entering Dove Dale, to overtake 
a party consisting of Sir Thos. Williams & 
his Lady, the Miss. Bathursts (three lovely 
girls) & Sir Francis Ford, who is paying at- 
tentions to one of the young ladies. They 
were on a ramble of curiosity like ourselves 
and had brought provisions with them to make 
a repast champetre, that they might be 
enabled to pass the day in the Dale and return 
in the evening. 

We joined the party and in a few minutes 
we were all on the most sociable terms. Sir 
Thomas we found — ^gentleman Sailor, good 
humoured, social and interesting — his lady, 
whom he had married but a year or two before, 
was much younger than himself, well bred, 
well informed with a tincture of Chemistry, 



BIRMINGHAM, JANUARY 291!] 1817 

Botany & other fashionable studies. The 

Miss. Bathursts had that deHghtful frankness 

& simplicity of manners which I have so often 

remarked in the really fine women of this 

country, and Sir Francis Ford, though not the 

most polished Baronet I have met with, having 

been brought up at Barbadoes, was amiable, 

unassuming, and as agreeable as a man utterly 

in love can be in the presence of his Mistress. 

If a man could not be happy with such a party 

in such a place he may give up all hopes of 

sublunary felicity. For my part I was in 

Elysium. Nothing so soon banishes reserve 

and produces intimacy as a participation in 

difficulties. The path through the Dale was 

rugged and beset with petty hazard. We had 

to toil through thickets & brambles — some 

times to step cautiously from stone to stone 

in the margin of the little river where the 

precipitous hills over hung its current — we 

had to scramble up into caverns and to climb 

rocks. All these were calculated to place both 

219 



BIRMINGHAM, JANUARY 29^]! 1817 

parties in those relative situations which en- 
dear the sexes. I had woman, lovely woman! 
clinging to me for assistance & protection — 
looking up with beseeching weakness & de- 
pendence in the midst of difficulties & dangers 
— ^while I in all the swelling pride of a lord of 
the creation, looked upon my feeble companion 
with an eye of infinite benevolence & fostering 
care — braved every peril of land & water — 
and sustained a scratched hand or a wet foot 
with a fortitude that called forth the admira- 
tion of the softer sex! 

But all these dangers past — when we had 
descended from the last precipice & come to 
where the Dove flowed musically through a 
verdant meadow — then — fancy me as that 
"Sweetest of Poets" wandering by the course 
of this romantic stream — a lovely "girl" 
hanging on my arm — pointing out the beauties 
of the surrounding scenery — and repeating 
in the most dulcet voice tracts of heaven 
bom poetry! If a strawberry smothered in 



BIRMINGHAM, JANUARY 29^1 1817 

cream has any consciousness of its delicious 
situation it must feel as I felt at that 
moment. 

We had proceeded a great distance up the 
Dale when the day became overcast and a 
slight shower or two admonished us to return. 
The showers grew more heavy so that we had 
to stop occasionally in the caverns of the hills 
to shelter ourselves. At the last cavern called 
St. Mary's cave, the rain became heavy & 
continued. And finding an old woman and 
her daughter there who had been employed 
partly as guides & partly to carry the provi- 
sions for the repast champetre, we determined 
to make our dinner in the cavern. A cloth 
was spread on the bottom of the cave, and we 
seated ourselves around on fragments of rock 
and made a merry banquet. After dinner as 
the rain continued we had to resort to various 
amusements to pass away the afternoon. 
One of the young ladies sang. Sir Thomas 
Williams sang a whimsical medley — until 



BIRMINGHAM, JANUARY 29^1 1817 

the thought struck us to have a dance in the 
style of Macbeth's witches. We got the girl 
that had carried the provisions, to sing a 
country dance which she did with an in- 
vincible gravity of countenance and a resound- 
ing nasal twang, while we danced a Boulange. 
We had after this a long dismal Ballad from 
the country girl, sang in admirable style; and 
a most frightful story of a Ghost by the 
old woman, who had seen it "with her own 
eyes"! Together with several anecdotes 
of a gang of gypsies that infested the 
neighbourhood . 

The winding up of the adventures of the 
Dale was, that the rain continuing with 
unabating violence, and evening approaching 
we had to abandon the cavern. As the Dale 
does not admit of the entrance of carriages, 
having nothing but a foot path winding thro' 
it, we were obliged to trudge for a mile and 
half through a steady pitiless, drenching rain 
so that by the time we reached the carriages 



BIRMINGHAM, JANUARY 29th 1817 

we might have been mistaken for a party of 
river deities just dripping from the Dove. 
All parties however were in such high good 
humour that even the descending torrents 
could not extinguish or allay our gaiety. 
Peter was unutterably delighted with the 
occurrences of the day and begged me to 
assure you that the ramble about Loch 
Katrine was "a fool to it" — I rather think 
however you will not be able to comprehend 
the pleasures of this memorable ramble in any 
very lively manner from the brief sketch I 
have scrawled out. The delights of any party 
of pleasure of the kind are occasioned by so 
many little indescribable circumstances, fugi- 
tive feelings and temporary excitements, that 
you may as well attempt to give a deaf man 
an idea of the chromatic graces and delicate 
inflexions of a strain of music. I might have 
expanded my detail of this ramble over the 
scenes hallowed by honest Walton's simple 

muse, through a sheet or two more — but I 

223 



BIRMINGHAM, JANUARY 29^2 1817 

am always impatient & diffident of these 
narratives — lest I am only entertaining myself 
with agreeable recollections, which may be 
tedious & trifling to those in whom they do not 
awaken the same associations. 

I must conclude this scrawl that it may be 
forwarded to Liverpool with other letters 
that are going. I shall write to you in a day 
or two & give you a list of the Books I have 
procured. 

By the way I wish you to send me by the 
first private opportunity, or by some Captain 
of a vessel that knows our house in L'pool — 
a copy that you have in your possession of 
'' Style s Judges''; it is a little old book giving 
an account of the regicides who took refuge 
in America. I wish to shew it to an old gentle- 
man here, who has a curiosity on the subject, 
and will return it carefully to you. 

I have rec*^ a letter & Barrel of apples from 

my good friend Mrs. Bradish & will answer her 

letter in a day or two. Give my affectionate 

224 



BIRMINGHAM, JANUARY 29th 1817 

remembrances to her & Eliza & the Claypooles 
if still with you. 

Remember me to the household. 

Yours ever 
W. I. 



VOL. I. — IS- 



225 



LIVERPOOL, MARCH loih igi; 

Liverpool, March lo- i8if. 

DEAR BREVOORT: — 

By Mr. Selden, who sails in the Nestor I 

forward you the following works. 

Sir Edward Barry on the Wives of the 

Ancients i vol. 

The Simple Cobler of Aggawam in 

America &c. i vol. 

Cumberland on the first plants of 

Nations i vol. 

Conversations on political Economy i vol. 

Jeremy Taylor's dissuasion from 

Popery i vol. 

Hurds dissertations 3 vols. 

La Houtan's Voyages 2 vols. 

Remains of Sir Walter Raleigh i vol. 

Raleigh's arts of Empires I vol. 

History of Patient Grissel — (old pam- 
phlet) 

Virginia impartially examined i vol. 

Longman & Co New catalogue 

226 



LIVERPOOL, MARCH loil} 1817 

Along with them I send the following works 
belonging to Col. Gibbs which I wish you to 
return to him with my thanks, and offers of 
any services I can render him in Europe. 

Sonnini, Voyage dans L'Egypte 3 vols. 
Voyage de la Propontide &c 2 vols. 

Voyages dans la Syrie 2 vols. 

Grece et Turquie 2 vols. 

a volume of plates & maps to ditto — 
Constantinople 2 vols. 



Besides the books I have forwarded on your 
account, I have likewise O'Gilvy's America, 
Hennepins Voyage and Stith's Hist, of Vir- 
ginia. These three Peter and myself wish to 
read, and therefore have taken the liberty to 
detain them a little while. Many of the Books 
you wrote for had been sold by Longman & 
Co. previous to my application; but they 
have promised to look out for them for me. I 
expect to go up to London this Spring & will 

22-J 



LIVERPOOL, MARCH lo^h 1817 

then look round for the books mentioned in 
your order that are deficient. 

I have been in Liverpool a fortnight and 
have been continually on the point of writing 
but the wind which has detained the shipping 
here for nearly two months, having still 
blown obstinately from the west, I have 
postponed the thing from day to day. The 
wind is now getting round and the ships will 
probably get away in a few hours. I am there- 
fore all in a hurry & have not time to write but 
this scrawl. 

Mercer & Leavenworth are on the point of 
sailing & will give you all the news & gossip 
of the day. Mercer has been the very mirror 
of fashion in Liverpool. 

I wrote to you at some length about a 
month or six weeks since & believe the letter 
is now on board one of the ships in the harbour. 
I am my dear Brevoort 

Affectionately yours 

W. I. 

228 



LIVERPOOL, MARCH loth 1817 

P. S. I wish you to send out any good views, 
either engravings or drawings that you can 
procure of New York & the adjacent Scenery. 
Selden will hand you the last No- of the Edin- 
burgh & Quarterly Rev^ 



229 



LIVERPOOL, MARCH 24^ 181 7 

Liverpool, March 2^- 1817. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

Richards informs me that he has written 
to you requesting your friendly assistance in 
the investigation and settlements of the 
concerns of the New York house (And- Ogden 
& Co.). He appears very anxious to secure 
your earnest attention to this business. It 
will no doubt be a very disagreeable task to 
you, but when you consider how completely 
poor Richards' fortunes are in jeopardy — how 
worthy a fellow he is, and how promptly and 
liberally he behaved towards yourself when 
your fortunes depended upon the turn of a die, 
and when any backwardness on his part would 
have suffered the golden moment to pass by, 
I am sure your own good heart will need no 
further impulse to do everything that lies in 
yotir power to promote his interest. I will 
not therefore dwell on the subject. You will 
learn from Richards' letters and from con- 
versations with Selden all the particulars of 

230 



LIVERPOOL, MARCH 24th 18 17 

the case. It is a most cruel one, and that 
intolerable dolt (for I hope he is no worse) 
And- Ogden, has a vast deal to answer for. 
I feel most deeply anxious for Richards & 
Selden. Their acts of kindness to us have 
been many and momentous & independent of 
grateful considerations, the fairness, liberality 
and honourable disposition that had been 
manifested in all their dealings have ever 
my strongest regard. 

It seems a long time since I last heard from 
you. The singular perversity of the seasons 
interrupts the communications of friendship 
as well as the concerns of business. "The 
times are sadly out of joint." — I am in hopes 
as the wind is favourable, there will be an 
arrival in a day or two that will bring me some 
intelligence from home. I have been for a 
month at Liverpool — and count the days as 
they lag heavily by. Nothing but my wish 
to be with Peter & relieve the loneliness of his 
life will induce me to remain an hour in this 



LIVERPOOL, MARCH 24th 181 7 

place. It is a bustling busy town, but to me 
a very uninteresting one. I have received at- 
tentions from some people who seem both 
amiable and intelligent; but the good folks 
here are both too busy & too dissipated to be 
social, and a stranger who has not business to 
employ his time will find it a dead weight on 
his hands. 

I have become rather sociable with some of 
the officers of the 85th, part of which regiment 
is quartered here, and am highly pleased with 
them. Among them are Lt. Col. Warburton, 
whom you may recollect in New York immedi- 
ately after the peace, and Lt. Col. Brown, 
who was at the captvire of Washington, & was 
left there among the wounded. Warburton 
bears honourable testimony to the hospitable 
treatment he received in New York, and 
Brown speaks with unaffected warmth & 
gratitude of the extreme kindness of the 
people of Washington, who came not with- 
standing he was one of a band that had laid 

232 



LIVERPOOL, MARCH 24111 18 17 

waste their homes & spread barbarous destruc- 
tion around, vied with each other in bestowing 
the tenderest & most soothing alleviations to 
his sufferings. He expresses the strongest 
disapprobation of the excesses committed at 
the capitol. There is in the regiment also a 
very fine young fellow, Charles Fox a son of 
Lord Holland, he has a noble frankness & 
ingenuousness of disposition & a degree of 
enthusiasm that I do not often find in the 
English character. He has been particularly 
civil to me & has repeatedly expressed a wish 
that I would take introductory letters to his 
father & friends when I go to London. 

I hope Peter will get through the occupa- 
tions & entanglements of business sufficiently 
in the course of a few weeks so as to be enabled 
to accompany me in some exciirsion that will 
enliven & refresh us both & be like turning 
over a new page in existence, — for life has been 
but a dull & tedious tale to us both for some 

time past. I am now & then most heartily 

233 



LIVERPOOL, MARCH 24th 1817 

home sick, and once in a great while I feel as 
if I could almost be sick of the world, if I 
chose to give way to such weaknesses of the 
spirit; but these fits are but transient and the 
result of the life of inactive suspense I have 
been compelled of late to lead. I never suffer 
them to get a lodgment in my mind, but shake 
them resolutely out. In a little while the 
stream of events v/ill again resume a lively 
& animating current ; in the meantime I shall 
live on patiently & calmly, being most truly 
& solemnly convinced that there is a wise & 
good providence that over rules our destinies 
and directs everything for the best. 

Remember me affectionately to those whom 
you know I love and believe me my dear 
Brevoort 

Ever most truly yours 

W. I. 



234 



LIVERPOOL, MAY 20th 1817 

Liverpool, May 20- 1817. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

Mrs. Schmidt and her sister Helen Bache 
are on the point of embarking for New York. 
I cannot let them depart without sending you 
a line, though I have nothing worth commun- 
icating. They have revived a thousand recol- 
lections of past scenes of innocent pleasure 
and light-hearted enjoyment. Mrs. Schmidt 
has given me several anecdotes of you while 
on a visit at Kinderhook which completely 
placed you before me. She has a pretty knack 
at narration, and indeed I have been delighted 
by the pleasing naive manner in which both 
these little lady travellers recount their ad- 
ventures and the wonders they have seen. 
Mrs. Schmidt looks pale and delicate; she is 
too tender a plant to bear much rough weather. 
Helen is greatly improved in every respect 
since I saw her in America. She will no doubt 
be a belle on her return, and as you are a 

veteran in the fashionable world I commend 

235 



LIVERPOOL, MAY 20th 1817 

her to your fostering countenance & protection. 

You can't think how my heart warms at the 

sight of these lovely little beings associated 

as they are with home feelings & home 

recollections. Their sudden appearance in 

Liverpool has been like an "Angel visit" to 

me, and like angels they seem to beckon me 

away to a better world; but sinful mortal 

that I am, I must still linger behind on this 

dim spot of earth. I have assisted shewing 

them the Lions of Liverpool, which they have 

regarded with the supreme sang-froid of 

experienced travellers, intimating that they 

have seen vast deal better things in Germany. 

Helen Bache takes notes and threatens to 

eclipse Lady Morgan's France. I beg you 

will be particular in questioning her about 

Wrexham Church, Windsor Castle and the 

rooms at Chester. 

I was greatly concerned some short time 

since at hearing of the death of Mrs. Verplanck. 

I had previously received very discouraging 

236 



LIVERPOOL, MAY 20^2 1817 

accounts of the state of her health but I 
hoped the climate of France would have 
restored her. Verplanck was here about a 
fortnight since and has gone to Scotland. He 
seemed in good health and tolerable spirits, 
though thinner than usual. His conversation 
was quite enlivening to me. He talks of 
returning to the continent & particularly of re- 
visiting Holland previously to his return home. 
I feel very anxious for Mrs. Hoffman's health. 
The repeated trials she is doomed to undergo, 
must, in spite of her habitual meekness and 
resignation, prey on her heart and render life 
utterly joyless. You tell me that Mr. H. suf- 
fers from the hardships of the times. I should 
have thought men in his profession rather likely 
to benefit by them. I wish he would give up 
political life, — it is a vile tissue of petty trick 
& intrigue in the State of New York, & unac- 
companied by either honour or real advantage. 
His business would always ensure him high 

respectability and abundant support. 

237 



LIVERPOOL, MAY 2otli 1817 

Yesterday dined at Mr. Davidson's for the 
first time this season; for I have avoided all 
company as much as possible. Mrs. Davidson 
shewed me a letter from Mrs. Renwick which 
presented a perfect picture of her happy 
household, and also contained some kind re- 
membrances to myself. I wish when you see 
Mrs. R you would give her my most affec- 
tionate recollections, and remember me also to 
James and his Spouse and the rest of that 
charming family circle. I hope I have yet 
some happy days in store to be passed among 
them when the present storms & glooms of 
adversity have passed away. 

God bless you my dear Brevoort. 

Your friend 
W. I. 

P. S. Peter desires to be commended heartily 
to you. 



238 



BIRMINGHAM, MAY 26th 1817 

Birmingham, May 26- i8iy. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I forward to you sheets of the greater part 
of the two first volumes of Campbell's new 
work, which he had sent to me understanding 
that I was about to sail for America. He 
wishes to try if something cannot be procured 
for them from an American Bookseller. I am 
sure you will take great pleasure in promoting 
his interest in this particular; and any emolu- 
ment that may arrive from the experiment 
will be of importance to him for I believe his 
purse is rather light. 

He does not seem very sanguine of the result 
and is willing to abide by any bargain that 
can be made. He is afraid the work will not 
appear very tempting to an American Book- 
seller on the first inspection of the sheets for- 
warded & that he may not be captivated by 
the selection from old & almost obsolete 
authors, which take up the earlier part; but 

he says the last half of the publication is better 

239 



BIRMINGHAM, MAY 26Mi 1817 

than the present, and not so dry. The whole 
will be preceded by a dissertation giving an 
account of all the eminent poets & containing 
a conspectus of the history of English poetry. 
This I make no doubt will be a most able and 
interesting article. This prefatory essay he can 
send in mss. but nothing else as he makes con- 
tinual alterations while the work is printing. 
He will however send out the sheets as fast 
as they are printed; so that if a Bookseller 
begins at once to reprint it he will be able to get 
the work out in America within a week or two 
of its appearance here. 

An advantage to any Bookseller taking this 
copy should be that should the work come to a 
second edition Campbell can supply him with 
additions that would prevent competition. 

Eastburn once agreed to share the profits of 

the first edition with Mr. Campbell, but I 

presume Eastburn is not publishing at present 

& not in circumstances to make a good bargain. 

If Campbell were to furnish additional matter 

240 



BIRMINGHAM, MAY 26^11 1817 

for the second edition he ought likewise to 
share the profits of the latter. If you could 
sell the work out & out for a decent sum down 
it would be preferable — I have no doubt that 
Campbell's name & reputation will give the 
work a run at first, and its merits will render 
it a stock book of regular demand & con- 
sequently good property. It is therefore well 
worth the attention of some steady man in the 
trade. If you make a bargain to share profits 
take care that it is with some one of this 
description; in the generality our booksellers 
are so much on the grasp and the stretch that 
they never know what their profits are ; or if 
they do, they cannot command money to pay 
their debts punctually. Should you receive 
any money for Campbell remit it direct to 
him at Sydenham near London, and you had 
better communicate direct with him as to any 
arrangements you may make. Excuse all 
this trouble which I am giving you my dear 
fellow, but I know no other channel through 

VOL. I. — 16. 241 



BIRMINGHAM, MAY 26!^ 1817 

which to promote poor Campbell's interest 
in America. ^m 

I received sometime since your kind letter 
urging my return — I had even come to the 
resolution to do so immediately, but the news 
of my dear mother's death put an end to one 
strong inducement that was continually tug- 
ging at my heart, and other reasons have com- 
pelled me to relinquish the idea for the present. 
I have led a fitful miserable kind of life for a 
long time past — now & then a little gleam of 
sunshine to rally up my spirits, but always 
sure to be followed by redoubled gloom. The 
cares & sorrows of the world seem thickening 
upon me and though I battle with them to the 
utmost & keep up a steady front, yet they 
would sometimes drag me down. However 
I do not wish to trouble you with my com- 
plainings, and if I do not write to you often, 
believe me it is not for want of having you 
constantly in my thoughts, but because I 

have nothing pleasing to write about. Re- 

242 



BIRMINGHAM, MAY 26^11 1817 

member me affectionately to all such as take 
an interest in my welfare. God keep you my 
dear Brevoort and keep you prosperous & 
happy. 

Yours sin. 

Washington Irving. 



243 



LIVERPOOL, JUNE ;«} 1817 

Liverpool, June /- iSiy. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I have made repeated attempts to reply- 
to your letter of 30th. April but have torn the 
page to pieces before I had filled it ; yet I can- 
not suffer that letter to lie unacknowledged, 
for it was a perfect cordial to my feelings. 

I have felt the correctness of your advice 
that I should return home & had prepared to 
do so, but troubles have thickened upon us 
& I cannot leave Peter to buffet them alone. 
I do not pretend to render any active assist- 
ance. I have long been utterly passive in 
respect to business; but my company is of 
importance to keep up his spirits in these 
trying times. Do not imagine I suffer myself 
to be broken down and unmanned by com- 
plicated evils. I have made up my mind to 
them & indeed grown familiar with them by 
dismal anticipation. As you observe it is 
useless to attempt to "patch up grief with 

musty proverbs"; there is a nothingness in all 

244 



LIVERPOOL, JUNE 7th 1817 

verbal consolation & sympathy. The heart 
is competent to digest its own sorrows. — 
Your letter gave the true kind of consolation; 
it filled my mind with agreeable ideas of 
distant friends, and home scenes, where I 
yet hope to find some pleasure in existence. 
You have furnished me with quite a train of 
pleasing meditations and diverted my thoughts 
from my own dreary situation. 

I am happy to find, by the account you 
give of my lovely friend Mrs. Campbell, that 
she has recovered from the shock her spirits 
must have received from her father's death. 
It is singular that I had been dreaming of her 
the very night before I received your letter, 
and had fancied myself taking a long ramble 
with her in which she had said a thousand 
witty & agreeable things, not one of which, as 
usual, I could recollect on waking. When 
next you see her, tell her I am infinitely grati- 
fied by her friendly recollection. I do not 

remember the circumstances you allude to of 

245 



LIVERPOOL, JUNE 7th 181 7 

a veto against the story of Jessy Marvin, but 
it could not help being good as she was con- 
cerned in it. I dare say it was some joke 
at my expense, and I always take care to for- 
get such jokes as soon as possible. 

The marriage of Serena L is in the best 

style of modern romance. I hope the Colonel 
is as amiable in the parlour as he is gallant in 
the field; if so, he is the very man for her. 
I should not have liked to hear of her marrying 
some commonplaced counting house gentle- 
man. 

I have had a very friendly message from 
Jack Nicholson, through one of his relations 
resident in Liverpool, & am glad to hear the 
worthy little Tar is promoted to a Captaincy. 
He writes that he does not despair of com- 
manding a seventy four before he dies; but 
I rather think Jack was speaking in parables 
as he must have been about that time opening 
his batteries upon the younger Miss Nevison 

who Frank Ogden tells me is "about six 

246 



LIVERPOOL, JUNE 7th 1817 

feet high.'" Jack had always too great a 
heart for his little body. '^ 

Moore's new poem is just out. I have not 
sent it to you, for it is dear and worthless. It 
is written in the most effeminate taste & fit 
only to delight boarding school girls and lads 
of nineteen, just in their first loves. Moore 
should have kept to songs & epigrammatic 
conceits. His stream of intellect is too small to 
bear expansion, it spreads into mere surface. 

Mr. & Mrs. Derby have been two or three 
days in Liverpool but I have not seen them. 
Indeed I am living like a hermit, passing my 
time entirely at home, excepting now and then 
I take a walk out of town for exercise, or pay 
a visit to Peter Ogden who is in our neigh- 
bourhood, and is confined to the house by 
indisposition. This is a singular contrast to 
the life I once led, but one gets accustomed 
to everything, and I feel perfectly contented 
to keep out of sight of the world, & indeed have 

at present no relish for society. 

247 



LIVERPOOL, JUNE 7th 181 7 

Such a mode of life affords scanty material 
for letter writing, and you must excuse me for 
being very dull. Indeed I had no idea of 
getting through this letter as well as I have 
when I commenced. 

Remember me affectionately to Mrs. Ren- 
wick & her family, to Mrs. Bradish & the girls 
and to my worthy friend the Governor who 
I hope still reigns undisturbed over the Colony. 
God bless you my dear Brevoort. 
Affectionately yours 

W. I. 



248 



LIVERPOOL, JUNE ii^h 1817 

Liverpool, June 11- 181^, 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I have forwarded you to collect on behalf 
of Mr. Muncaster, Bookseller, a bill of Exchg. 
drawn by our house in his favour, on Moses 
Thomas for books sent the latter. It was the 
only mode that presented of closing this a/c 
with the Bookseller; as we did not wish such 
a petty a/c to be unpaid. I wish you would be 
accommodating to Thomas in settling it; but 
he has been remiss in remitting to us in 
advance, or such an a/c would not have 
accumulated. It is thus one always gets in 
petty scrapes by trying to serve others. 

VanWart has called a meeting of his credi- 
tors on the 23rd inst. They are friendly in 
their dispositions towards him, & I hope he 
will get favourable terms. 

I write in haste — Peter is well and so am I, 

which is as much as can be expected in these 

hard times. Your friend 

W. I. 
249 



LIVERPOOL, JUNE nth 1817 

Liverpool, June 11- 18 ly. 

DEAR BREVOORT: — 

We have drawn on Mr. Moses Thomas of 
Philadelphia, in favor of Mr. Thomas Mun- 
caster, Bookseller, Church St., Liverpool, for 
Books forwarded at various times to Mr. 
Thomas. As Mr. Muncaster has no corre- 
spondent in America, you will do me a favour 
in collecting the amount of the Bill for him, 
and forwarding it to his address as above. 
Your friend 

Washington Irving. 

P. S. Mr. Muncaster has procured most of 
the works I formerly sent to you and should 
you have any further command of this kind 
I would recommend him to a continuance of 
your favotirs. 



250 



LIVERPOOL, JUNE 21 it 1817 

Liverpool, June 21- iSiy. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

Mr. Coles, late Secretary of Mr. Madison, 
is passenger in the Tea Plant & has numbers 
of the Edinburgh Review for you. I believe 
you are acquainted with him; if not I hope 
you will become so as he is a very worthy 
fellow. — Peter and myself are in good health. 

God Bless you — 
W. I. 

P. S. I believe I some time since requested you 
to procure me some Books &c. You need 
not do so, as I shall not have money to repay 
you. I hope however you have sent me 
Styles' Judges. 



251 



LIVERPOOL, JULY iilli 1817 

Liverpool, July ii'l i8iy. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

Your letter of June nth has remained for 
several days unanswered, though I have made 
many attempts at a reply. I find it almost 
impossible under the present circumstances 
to write letters ; but your kind inquiries spring 
from too friendly a feeling to be disregarded. 

I have no intention of returning home for a 
year at least. I am waiting to extricate my- 
self from the ruins of our unfortunate concern 
after which I shall turn my back upon this 
scene of care & distress, and shall pass a con- 
siderable part of my time in London. I have 
a plan which, with very little trouble, will 
yield me for the present a scanty but sufficient 
means of support, and leave me leisure to 
look round for something better. I cannot 
at present explain to you what it is — ^you 
would probably consider it precarious, & 
inadequate to my subsistence — but a small 

matter will float a drowning man and I have 

252 



LIVERPOOL, JULY iil^ 1817 

dwelt so much of late on the prospect of being 
cast homeless & penny less upon the world; 
that I feel relieved in having even a straw to 
catch at. 

I have weighed every thing pro and con on 
the subject of returning home and have for 
the present abandoned the idea. My affec- 
tions would at once prompt me to return, but 
in doing so, would they insure me any happi- 
ness? Would they not on the contrary be 
productive of misery? I should find those 
I love & whom I had left prosperous — strug- 
gling with adversity without my being able 
to yield them comfort or assistance. Every 
scene of past enjoyment would be a cause of 
regret and discontent. I should have no 
immediate mode of support & should be per- 
haps a bother to my friends who have claims 
enough on their sympathy & exertions. No — 
no. If I must scuffle with poverty let me do 
it out of sight — where I am but little known — 

where I cannot even contrast present penury 

253 



LIVERPOOL, JULY iii^ 1817 

with former affluence. In this country I have 
a plan for immediate support — it may lead 
to something better — at any rate it places 
me for the time above the horrors of destitu- 
tion or the more galling mortifications of 
dependence. 

Besides I am accustomed & reconciled to 
the features of adversity in this country; 
but were I to return to America I should find 
it under a new face and have to go through 
something of what I have already experienced, 
to get on similar terms of familiarity. 

I hope I have now given you sufficient 
reason for my remaining abroad. My mind 
is made up to it : & though now and then, when 
I get letters from home, particularly yours, 
which paint home scenes so vividly, I feel my 
heart yearning towards New York with almost 
a sickly longing, yet I am convinced I am 
acting for the best. 

I wish circumstances would induce you to 
come out to Europe. You talk of visiting 

254 



LIVERPOOL, JULY nth 1817 

Canada — why not cross the Atlantic? The 
obstacles are merely ideal. Three weeks 
would land you in England — a profit might 
be combined with the visit. But I don't 
wish to hold out temptations that may lead 
to evil. 

Remember me affectionately to such of my 
friends as inquire after me, and if any com- 
plain of my not writing to them, tell them I 
have lost the art. 

God Bless you my dear Brevoort. 

Your friend 

W. I. 



255 



LIVERPOOL, JULY 2i5t 1817 

Liverpool, July 21- i8iy. 

DEAR BREVOORT: — 

Sometime since I forwarded to you our Bill 
on Moses Thomas for yo £ Stg. in favour of 
Mr. Thomas Muncaster, with a request that 
you would collect it and forward the proceeds 
to Muncaster. This was for the purpose of 
securing a debt to the latter for books pur- 
chased for Thomas. We have lately re- 
ceived a remittance from Thomas of ioo£. 
Should therefore our Draft on him have been 
presented & accepted, you need not present it 
for pay* but cancel it & return it to us. 

By Mr. M. Evers, who sails in the Anna 
Maria, I send you a collection of discoveries 
&c. in Africa. 

I write in haste as the bag is about to be 
taken away in which this letter goes. 

Your friend 
W. I. 



256 



EDINBURGH, AUGUST 28th 1817 
Edinburgh, August 28- 18 ly. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: 

I received your letter of July 2d a few days 
since, while in London, but had not time to 
answer it from there, and I now am in such a 
hurry of mind and body that I can scarce 
collect my thoughts & settle myself down long 
enough to write. I was in London for about 
three weeks, when the town was quite deserted. 
I found however sufficient objects of curiosity 
& interest to keep me in a worry ; and amused 
myself by exploring various parts of the City; 
which in the dirt and gloom of winter would 
be almost impossible. I passed a day with 
Campbell at Sydenham. He is still simmer- 
ing on his biographical & critical labours and 
has promised to forward more letter press to 
you. He says he will bring it out the coming 
autumn. He has now been taxing his brain 
with this cursed work some years, a most 
lamentable waste of time and poetic talent. 
Campbell seems to have an inclination to pay 

VOL. I. — 17. 257 



EDINBURGH, AUGUST 28^^ 1817 

America a visit, having a great desire to see 
the country, and to visit his brother, whom 
he has not seen for many years. The expense 
however is a complete obstacle. I think he 
might easily be induced to cross the seas, and 
his visit made a very advantageous one to our 
Country. He has twelve lectures written out, 
on Poetry & Belles Letters, which he has 
delivered with great applause to the most bril- 
liant London audiences. I believe you have 
heard one or two of them. They are highly 
spoken of by the best judges. Now could not 
subscription lists be set on foot in New York 
and Philadelphia, among the first classes of 
people, for a course of Lectures in each City 
and when a sufficient number of names are 
procured to make it an object, the lists sent 
to Campbell with an invitation to come over 
and deliver the lectiu^es? It would be highly 
complimentary to him, would at once remove 
all pecuniary difficulties and if he accepted the 

invitation his lectures would have a great ef- 

258 



EDINBURGH, AUGUST 28M1 1817 

feet in giving an impulse to American literature 
and a proper direction to the ptiblic taste. 
Say the subscription was $10 for the course of 
lectures — I should think it an easy matter to 
fill up a large list at that rate, for how many 
are there in New York who would give that 
price to hear a course of lectures on Belles 
Letters from one of the first Poets of Great 
Britain? I sounded Campbell on the subject 
and have no doubt that he would accept such 
an invitation. Speak to Renwick on the 
subject and if you will take it in hand I am 
sure it will succeed. Charles King would no 
doubt promote a thing of this kind, and Dr. 
Hosack would be delighted to give his assist- 
ance, and would be a most efficient aid. 

While at London I made the acquaintance 
of Murray the Bookseller, who you know is a 
most valuable acquaintance to a stranger, as 
by his means considerable access is gained to 
the literary world. I dined with him and met 

among two or three rather interesting char- 

259 



EDINBURGH, AUGUST 28^1} 1817 

acters, old D'Israeli, with whom I was much 
entertained. He is a cheerful, social old 
gentleman, full of talk and anecdote. He was 
curious about America and seemed much 
pleased with the idea of his works being re- 
printed and circulated there. I saw two or 
three of the Lions of the Quarterly Review in 
Murray's den, but almost all the literary 
people are out of town; and those that have 
not the means of travelling lurk in their garrets 
and affect to be in the country; for you know 
these poor devils have a great desire to be 
thought fashionable. I have no doubt I shall 
find Murray's den a great source of gratifica- 
tion when I return to London. Ogilvie was 
at London and had just finished a short course 
of his exhibitions. He had lectured in Free- 
masons Hall. His lectures had been very well 
attended considering the season ; his audiences 
applauded and the papers speak well of him. 
I did not hear any of his orations in London 

and cannot tell how his success was promoted 

260 



EDINBURGH, AUGUST 28th 1817 

by the exertions of American and Scotch 
friends. He however seems to be very well 
satisfied and has gone to Cheltenham. He 
intends to deliver orations at a few of the 
provincial towns and return to London toward 
winter. I have not time to detail more par- 
ticulars of London gossip. I left there on the 
25th inst. in a packet for Berwick on Tweed, 
having some occasion to visit Edinburgh & 
intending to make a short excursion into the 
Highlands. I found myself among a motley, 
but characteristic assemblage of passengers. 
All Scotch and some of them fit studies for 
Walter Scott. The first part of the voyage 
was tedious; head winds & bad weather, the 
latter part however was delightful. I am 
always in high health & spirits at sea and I 
cannot express to you how much I was excited 
when we came on the coast of Northumberland 
so gloriously sketched off in the second canto 
of Marmion. 

We had a smacking breeze and dashed 
261 



EDINBURGH, AUGUST 28th 1817 

gallantly through the waters. We passed by 
" Dunkanborough's caverned shore" and saw 
the old Castle of that name seated on a rocky 
eminence, but half shrouded in morning mist. 
The day brightened up as we approached 
Bamborough Castle, which stands in stern 
and lordly solitude on the sea coast — Scott's 
description of it is very poetical but accurate. 

Thy town proud Bamborough, marked 

they these 
King Idas castle, huge and square, 
From its tall rock look grimly down 
And on the swelling ocean frown. 

We sailed close by this old ruin and then 
skirted the Holy isle, where Scott lays the 
scene of Constance de Beverly's trial and 
above the remains of St. Cuthberts monastery 
are still visible. You may imagine the excite- 
ment of my feelings in this romantic part of 
my voyage. I landed at Berwick after being 
four days on the water, and having satisfied 

my curiosity with this old and celebrated 

262 



EDINBURGH, AUGUST 28'^ 1817 

place, I took coach & rattled off for Edinbtirgh 
— and here I am. 

This place surpasses my utmost expectations, 
in regards to its situation and appearance. 
I think it the most picturesque romantic 
place I have ever seen except Naples. 

I had several letters of introduction but 
almost everybody is out of town, Mrs. Fletcher 
and her family are in the Highlands and rather 
secluded — about four months since they had 
the misfortune to lose her first daughter 
(Grace) by a typhus fever. 

The day before yesterday I dined with Mrs. 
Renwick's brother, Mr. Jeffrey, who has been 
extremely attentive to me. I was very much 
pleased with him and his family. Mrs. 
Jeffrey is a very pleasant woman & they have 
a fine family of children. I left a card the 
same day at Mr. Francis Jeffrey's (the Re- 
viewer) house. His family are about 3 miles 
off in the country. He called on me yesterday 

and invited me to dine with him en famille. 

263 



EDINBURGH, AUGUST 28th 1817 

I accordingly footed it out to his little castle 

yesterday in company with his brother John 

Jeffrey. He has leased for thirty-two years, 

an old cast elated mansion, situated at the 

foot of a beautiful romantic range of hills, and 

in a perfect seclusion though but three miles 

from Edinburgh. He has made considerable 

additions & alterations, is ornamenting his 

grounds with great taste, and has altogether 

one of the most picturesque poetical little 

domains that the heart of an author would 

desire. I passed a most agreeable afternoon; 

my reception was frank, cordial & hospitable 

and I found Jeffrey an amiable & pleasant 

man in his own house. I never saw him to 

such advantage before. Mrs. Jeffrey looks 

thin & nervous; but is in good spirits, and 

seems happy, and I think has reasons to be so. 

They have a charming little daughter of 

whom Jeffrey seems both fond and proud. 

I am to dine there again to-day — when I 

am to meet Dugald Stewart, who, most luck- 

264 



EDINBURGH, AUGUvST 28^12 1817 

ily for me, happens just now on a visit to 
Edinburgh, 

I shall also meet Madame LaVoisin, late 
Comtesse de Rumford and the Lady of Sir 
Humphrey Davy formerly Mrs. Aprecel. 

Sept. 6th. I must scrawl a conclusion to 
this letter as fast as possible as I am very 
much pressed for time. I dined at Jeffreys the 
day mentioned ; but was disappointed in meet- 
ing Mr. Stewart ; he was detained home by in- 
disposition. His wife and daughter were there 
and we had a large party among whom were 
also Lord Webb Seymour, whom you may have 
met as he resides almost continually at Edin- 
burgh. He is brother to the Duke of Somer- 
set, and is a very agreeable unaffected well 
informed man. Also Mr. Murray an advocate 
of Edinburgh and one of the writers for the 
review & several others. Lady Davy talked 
at a great rate and in charming style — I was 
very much pleased with her. But allons — 

the next day I set off for Wilson and reached 

265 



EDINBURGH, AUGUST 28th 1817 

Selkirk that evening from whence on Saturday 
morning early I take chaise for the Abbey. 

On my way I stopped at the gate of Abbots- 
ford & sent in my letter of introduction to 
Walter Scott, with a card & request to know 
whether it would be possible for him to receive 
a visit from me in the course of the day. Mr. 
Scott himself came out to see me and welcomed 
me to his home with the genuine hospitality 
of the olden-times. In a moment I found 
myself at his breakfast table, and felt as if I 
was at the social board of an old friend. In- 
stead of a visit of a few hours I was kept there 
several days — and such days! You know the 
charms of Scott's conversation but you have 
not lived with him in the country — you have 
not rambled with him about his favorite hills 
and glens and burns — you have not seen him 
dispensing happiness around him in his little 
rural domain. I came prepared to admire him, 
but he completely won my heart and made me 

love him. He has a charming family around 

266 



EDINBURGH. AUGUST 28th 1817 

him — Sophia Scott who must have been quite 
a little girl when you were here, is grown up, 
and is a sweet little mountain lassie. She 
partakes a great deal of her father's character — 
is light-hearted ingenuous, intelligent, and 
amiable. Can tell a whimsical story and sing a 
border song with the most captivating naivete. 
Scott was very attentive in showing me the 
neighboring country. I was with him from 
morning to night and was constantly aston- 
ished and delighted by the perpetual and 
varied flow of his conversation. It is just as 
entertaining as one of his novels, and exactly 
like them in style, point, humour, character 
& picturesqueness. I parted with him with 
the utmost regret but received a cordial 
invitation to repeat my visit on my way back 
to England, which I think I shall do. I should 
not forget to mention that he spoke of you in 
the most friendly terms ; and reproached him- 
self for not having written to you ; but says he 

is extremely remiss in letter writing. 

267 



EDINBURGH, AUGUST 28th 1817 

Since my return to Edinburgh I have dined 
with Constable the Bookseller, whom I met 
with Professor Leslie. 

Little Blackwood the Bookseller speaks of 
you with great regard. He says he shall send 
you the number of a new monthly magazine 
which he is publishing and which possesses 
considerable merit. I must conclude, as I 
have to hurry to Court to hear Jeffrey plead 
and must make preparations for a short excur- 
sion to the highlands. 

God bless you. 

Your friend 

W. I. 

P. S. I have received a letter from Carey 
informing me of the arrangement with East- 
burn for Campbell's works; which is very 
satisfactory. Remember me to all friends — 
I have heard you repeatedly spoken of in 
Edinburgh with the highest regard. 



268 



LIVERPOOL, OCTOBER lolli 1S17 
Liverpool, Oct. lo^A i8iy. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I have received your letter of Aug. 20th, 
and congratulate you most heartily on the 
happy change you are about to make in your 
situation. I had heard rumours of the affair 
before I received your letters, and my account 
represented the Lady of your choice exactly 
such an one as your best friend could have 
wished for. I am almost ashamed to say 
that at first the news had rather the effect of 
making me feel melancholy than glad. It 
seemed in a manner to divorce us forever; for 
marriage is the grave of bachelors' intimacy, 
and after having lived & grown together for 
many years, so that our habits, thoughts & 
feelings were quite banded & intertwined, a 
separation of this kind is a serious matter — 
not so much to you, who are transplanted into 
the garden of matrimony, to flourish and 
fructify and be caressed into prosperity, — 
but for poor me, left lonely and forlorn, and 

26g 



LIVERPOOL, OCTOBER loth i8i; 

blasted by every wind of heaven. — However, 

I don't mean to indulge in lamentations on the 

occasion. Though this unknown piece of 

perfection has completely escaped my plan, 

I bear her no jealousy or ill will; but hope 

you may long live happily together and that 

she may prove as constant & faithful to you 

as I have been. — Indeed I already feel a regard 

for her, on your account, and have no doubt 

I shall at some future day feel a still stronger 

one on her own. 

I am writing hastily with a mind occupied 

by various concerns, and in a hurried moment 

which must account for the insufficiency of 

this scrawl. I have written to Campbell on 

the subject of his work. — I had expected long 

since to have received further portions from 

him but he is a dilatory being and is simmering 

over this work like an old woman over a pipkin. 

I am glad Eastburn did not begin to print, as I 

perceive there is no depending on Campbell's 

promptness. — I shall transmit the work as 

270 



^.IVERPOOL, OCTOBER lo^h 1817 

fast as I receive it. I feel gratified by the 
execution my friends are making to get me 
the situation in London, though I doubt their 
success. These places are generally given to 
political favourites. I merely wanted such a 
situation for a little while. I have no desire 
to remain long in Europe still while I am here, 
I should like to be placed on good ground and 
look around me advantageously. A situation 
of the kind would have that effect, and would 
enable me to return home at a proper season, 
and under favourable circumstances; not to 
be driven to my native shores like a mere 
wreck. 

The letter enclosed from Smedley & Co. 
to P. E. Irving & Co. has been forwarded to 
them and acknowledged & have drawn on 
them for 6o£ of which P & E I & Co are 
regularly advised. 

I must again apologize to you my dear 
Brevoort for this miserable scrawl but I am 

excessively hurried. 

271 



LIVERPOOL, OCTOBER 10^!^ 1817 

Give my love to all the good beings around 
you — and to your wife too, if by this time you 
are married and believe me, as ever 

Affectionately yours 
W. L 



272 



LIVERPOOL, JANUARY 28^1 18 18 
Liverpool, Jan. 28- 1818. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I have not written to you for some time 
past for in fact the monotonous life I lead, 
being passed almost continually within doors, 
leaves me little to communicate. I have just 
written to Campbell, stating the contents of 
your letter of Dec. 4th, and shall let you know 
his reply the moment I receive it. 

I enclose a reply to the kind letter of Mrs. 
B. but it expresses nothing of what I feel. 
How happy a period of my life it will be when 
I once more return home and feel myself 
among true friends. But I cannot bring 
myself to think of returning home imder pre- 
sent circumstances. 

We are now in train to pass through the 
Bankrupt Act. It is a humiliating alternative 
but my mind is made up to any thing that will 
extricate me from this loathsome entangle- 
ment in which I have so long been involved — 
I am eager to get from under this murky 

VOL. I.— 18. 2-JT, 



LIVERPOOL, JANUARY 29*^ 1818 

cloud before it completely withers & blights 
me. For upward of two years have I been 
bowed down in spirit and harassed by the 
most sordid cares — a much longer continuance 
of such a situation would indeed be my ruin. 
As yet I trust my mind has not lost its elas- 
ticity, and I hope to recover some cheerful 
standing in the world. Indeed I feel very 
little solicitude about my own prospects — I 
trust something will turn up to promise me 
subsistence & am convinced, however scanty 
& precarious may be my lot I can bring myself 
to be content. But I feel harassed in mind 
at times on behalf of my brothers. It is a 
dismal thing to look round on the wrecks of 
such a family connexion. This is what, in 
spite of every exertion, will some times steep 
my very soul in bitterness. Above all, the 
situation of my poor brother Ebenezer and 
his family distresses me. My dear Brevoort, 
whatever friendship you feel for me, never 

trouble yourself on my account, but lend a 

274 



LIVERPOOL, JANUARY 28th 1818 

helping hand, when he is extricated from 
present difficulties, once more to put him in a 
way to get forward. He is a capable & inde- 
fatigable man of business & in a regular line 
cannot but make out well. His ruin has been 
occasioned by circumstances over which he 
had no control. Do not suppose I am wishing 
you to jeopard your own interests in the 
least — but the mere advice and countenance 
of two or three prosperous men to one in his 
situation have the most reviving effect. Once 
get him under way, and he has a cheerful 
perseverance & steady application that will 
carry him regularly forward. 

Excuse me writing on these irksome sub- 
jects — I had determined not to do so any 
more, but they are upper most in my thoughts 
and will some time find their way to my pen. 

In the course of two or three months I hope 

to have finally got through difficulties here, 

and to close this gloomy page of existence — 

what the next will be that I shall turn over, is 

275 



LIVERPOOL, JANUARY 28*11 1818 

all uncertainty; but I trust in a kind provi- 
dence that shapes all things for the best, and 
yet I hope to find future good springing out of 
these present adversities. 

I am my dear Brevoort 

Affectionately yours 
W. I. 



m 



576 



LIVERPOOL, MARCH 22^ 181 8 

Liverpool, March 22- 18 18. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

If you have not already done so I wish you 
to remit by the first opportunity to Mess. A. 
& S. Richards the amount of the Draft paid 
you by Moses Thomas some time since, I 
think it was about 7o£ Sterling. It was to 
pay for Books purchased for him, and I have 
had to borrow of Richards for that purpose. 
You can tell A. & S. Richards that the 
money is to be on my account subject to 
my orders. 

I now inclose you a draft on Mr. Thomas for 
five hundred dollars, which I will thank you 
to collect. You need not put it in circula- 
tion, but account privately with Mr. Thomas 
for it. I shall draw on you, (probably in favour 
of A. & S. Richards), as my current expenses 
require and you may depend on my putting 
you in funds either by drafts on Mr. Thomas, 
or in some other way. 

I will write in reply to your letter from 



LIVERPOOL, MARCH 22^ 181 8 

Charlestown at a moment of more leisure- 
this is merely on business. 

Yours ever 
W. Irving. 



278 



LIVERPOOL, APRIL 30th 1818 

Liverpool, April jo- 18 18. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

Your letter of the 8th March, was handed 
me by the Mess- Gibbes, with whom I was 
very much pleased. They have just left this 
for London, and gone direct, as fast as coach 
can carry them; though I urged them almost 
with tears in my eyes to go by the way of 
Chester, Shrewsbury, &c &c and to travel 
leisurely. The weather is heavenly and the 
country is just breaking out into all the loveli- 
ness of Spring — but they were bitten with the 
travellers' most fatal malady, the eagerness to 
get on — and so away they have gone pell mell 
for London, where I should almost rejoice to 
hear they were well besmoked and befogged 
for their flight of the charms of dame nature. 

Your letter most unluckily reached me the 
very afternoon of the day on which Mac- 
Gillivray sailed for New York. I did not see 
him while he was here; and am at a loss to 
know whether he purchased the Harp for 

279 



LIVERPOOL, APRIL 30th 1818 

Mrs. Brevoort or not. I shall make inquiry 
when I go to London; but wish you would 
write me word at all events whether he has or 
not — and whether I shall from time to time 
send Mrs. Brevoort some choice Mustek j 
for the Musick that is generally sent out to 
America is commonplace Sing Song. I hope 
MacGillivray has not got the Harp, for I 
think I have means of getting her a very 
choice one, through the judgment of one of 
the first Harpplayers in England. There is 
great choice in the article. You will smile 
to find me talking knowingly of Musick — 
but I have become a little of a dabbler. As 
one mode of battling with the foul fiend 
during the long and gloomy trial I have under- 
gone I took hold of my flute again and put 
myself under the tutorship of a master; and 
now begin to know one end of the instrument 
from the other. — I found the prescription 
excellent at times when I could not read and 

dared not think and thus have extracted some 

280 



LIVERPOOL, APRIL 30^^ 1818 

little sweet out of the bitterness of adversity. 
An application from Mrs. B. for Musick there- 
fore is not more out of my way than yours for 
Books, and I shall be glad at any time to 
execute a commission for either of you to the 
best of my powers. 

I shall go to London before long and shall 
then attend to your request about books — 
prints &c. 

A few days since Peter & myself attended 
the wedding of Joseph Curwen whom you may 
recollect as one of the Club of Philadelphia 
and who has married Miss Selina Gadsden 
of Charlestown — a lady acquainted with your 
wife and who has given me many interesting 
particulars concerning her. — She is a charming 
woman & will be quite an addition to the 
American society in Liverpool. 

We are waiting here for the final settlement 

of our concerns; our certificates are going the 

round for Signature after which Peter will sail 

for New York — I intend remaining some time 

281 



LIVERPOOL, APRIL 30th 1818 

longer in England. I have received no answer 
from Campbell in reply to a letter I wrote him 
on the receipt of yours. I am surprised at 
his silence, but it is possible he is a little per- 
plexed, and defers talking on the subject 
until he comes to Liverpool, which will be 
shortly, to deliver a course of lectures at the 
Liverpool Institution. 

I have several letters to write by this op- 
portunity and must be brief. Give my best 
remembrances to Mrs. B. and believe me my 
dear Brevoort 

Affectionately yours 
W. L 



4 



282 



LIVERPOOL, MAY ii* 1818 

Liverpool, May 1-1818. 

DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I some time since enclosed you a draft on 
Mr. Thomas for five hundred Dollars; I 
have this day drawn on you at three months 
after date for a like amount favour of Mess- 
A. & S. Richards — I may hereafter draw on 
you in same way, as it is the most convenient 
way for me to draw funds from America. 
I shall always take care to replace any funds 
I may draw out of your hand without delay — 
if I do not have them placed there in advance. 

I wrote to you some time since likewise to 
remit to A. & S. Richards the money paid to 
you by Mr. Thomas last year for his draft. 
I have had to borrow money of Richards on 
the presumption that such amount was on 
the way. 

Yours truly 
W. L 



283 



LIVERPOOL, MAY 19th 1818 

Liverpool, May ig- 1818. 

DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I have before written to you on the subject 
of the amount of a draft on Moses Thomas, 
paid to you some time last year. I find this 
unlucky little lump of money is undergoing 
detention in your hands in consequence of 
some overcaution of my brother Eben- who 
is either afraid I will be extravagant on the 
receipt of such a sum or that the ship will 
sink under the weight of it. If you have not 
remitted it before the receipt of this, to Silas 
Richards, do so at once. I have had to 
borrow from Richards the amount of it to 
pay for Books sent to Mr. Thomas. 

I am happy to inform you that we have had 
our certificates duly signed and they have only 
now to go through the Lord Chancellor's 
hands. It has been a tedious business owing 
to the scattered residences of our creditors, 
and to the wrong-headedness of some of them 

— ^and as is often the case in matters of the kind 

284 



LIVERPOOL, MAY 19^ 181 8 

— we have almost invariably met with delay 
and perversity when we had every reason to 
expect the reverse. 

It will take a little while to settle all matters 
here and get the necessary papers for my 
brother Eben- discharge, after which Peter 
will set sail for New York — I hardly think 
he will get away before the first of July. 

The last letters from home mention you 
as being in New York en G argon/ I presume 
you are building your nest like other happy 
birds, in the Spring time. 

I have already acknowledged your letter 
containing a request about the Harp &:c. 
The departure of Mr. MacGillivray on the 
very morning of the day wherein I received 
the letter without my seeing him has left me 
completely in the dark whether he has bought 
the Harp or not. 

I had a long letter from James Paulding 
some days since. He appears to be delight- 
fully and happily situated at Washington: 

285 



LIVERPOOL, MAY 19^ 1818 

but mentions that his health is very deHcate. 
I declare the receipt of this letter has been 
one of the most pleasing circumstances that 
I have met with for a long time. It brought 
back so many recollections of our old literary 
communions and was written in one of James' 
most warm hearted moments. 

I received a letter from Campbell a few 
days since wherein he apologizes for not having 
answered my letter before — the subject of a 
visit to America — in consequence of a severe 
fit of illness. I am sorry to say he relinquishes 
the thing altogether, alledging that he is 
"too old." I must confess I had lost almost 
all expectation of his going out, for he seems 
to want nerve and enterprize. 

I have nothing further to tell you of news. 
I have little to say of myself, my time passing 
with great uniformity, being spent chiefly 
within doors. I have been some time past 
engaged in the study of the German Language, 

and have got on so far as to be able to read 

286 



d 



LIVERPOOL, MAY 19th 1818 

and splutter a little. It is a severe task, and 
has required hard study; but the rich mine 
of German Literature holds forth abundant 
reward. Give my best regards to Mrs. B. 
and believe me my dear fellow 

Yours ever 
W. I. 



287 



LIVERPOOL, MAY 231^ 1818 

Liverpool, May 2f- 1818. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I enclose you a draft at sixty days sight 
for Five hundred Dollars on Moses Thomas, 
Philadelphia, which I will thank you to pre- 
sent for acceptance. I have this day likewise 
drawn on you for a like amount at four months 
date in favour of Silas Richards Esq. 

I would observe that no draft I have drawn 
on you has any relation to a bill drawn on 
you for Mr. Muncaster on Mr. Thomas and 
collected by you last year. I have already 
desired you to remit the proceeds of that bill 
to Mr. Richards for my account, as I had to 
borrow the amount of him. 

Affectionately yours 
Washington Irving. 



i I 
-0 



368 



LEAMINGTON, JULY 7^^ 1818 

Leamington, July f- 1818. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

It is a long while since I have heard from 
you, and though I know you must be taken 
up with the cares and comforts and enjoyments 
of Matrimony, and the novelties of house- 
keeping and domestic establishments, yet I 
cannot consent to be so completely forgotten. 
I don't mean to complain for I know it is the 
nature of things and what we poor Bachelors 
must make our minds up to — but only do the 
thing decently and let me down as easy as 
possible. I wrote to you some time last winter 
enclosing a reply to Mrs. B's. kind letter — 
you have never acknowledged the receipt of 
that letter — I hope it arrived safe and that 
you did not in some sudden fit of jealousy 
suppress our correspondence. I am delighted 
to hear that you have established yourself 
in the country adjoining to Mrs. Renwick's — 
how charmingly you must live, with such a 
delightftd circle. 

VOL. I.— 19. 28q 



LEAMINGTON, JULY ^^ 1818 

I wrote to Gouverneur Kemble a long time 
since but have received no reply. I hope he 
is doing well at the Foundry. 

I am here with my sister Mrs. Van Wart, 
whose health has suffered of late, but she is 
now getting quite well again. Van Wart has 
resumed business in a prosperous style — and 
I have no doubt of his going on well and ulti- 
mately building up a fortune. 

I drew two sets of Exchg. on you, each for 
$00$ some time since against similar draft 
on Mr. Thomas forwarded to you for collec- 
tion. I have heard nothing on the subject 
but hope this has been honoured — as I depend 
upon them for ways & means. I shall not 
trouble you again in that way — as it must be 
a little out of your way of business but at the 
time I drew the bill there was no other con- 
venient mode presented itself. 

I wish I had something to write about or 

was in a mood to write something worth 

reading — ^but — wretched as this scrawl is, it 

290 



LEAMINGTON, JULY 7th 1818 

is the best m}'- intellect can furnish out. 
Accept it therefore as a mere testimony of 
constant recollections. Give my sincere re- 
gards to Mrs. B. and to such of our friends as 
still think or care about me and believe me as 
ever 

Affectionately yours 
W. I. 



291 



^ 



LONDON, SEPTEMBER 23d 1818 

London, Sept. 2j- 1818. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

Permit me to introduce to you Mr. Bartley, 
late of Drury Lane Theatre, who with Mrs. 
Bartley is about to make a Tour in the United 
States. As you have seen the performances of 
Mrs. Bartley I need say nothing on the sub- 
ject — except that I consider her visit to 
America as a most gratifying event to the 
Lovers of the Drama. The private character 
& deportment of Mr. & Mrs. Bartley have 
been such as to secure them the most flatter- 
ing reception in the best circles of this country, 
and I feel very solicitous that they should 
receive similar advantages in America. Permit 
me therefore to commend them to your atten- 
tions and to request that you will interest 
yourself to make their stay among you both 
agreeable and advantageous. 

Your friend 
Washington Irving. 



292 



LONDON, SEPTEMBER 27th 1818 
London, Sept. zy- 1818. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

It is some time since I received your letter 
of July 21 : but I am so little in the vein of 
letter writing now adays that I find myself con- 
tinually procrastinating. Your letter cheered 
a dull & lonely hoxir and made me feel for 
a little while quite at home and among friends 
again. I wish you joy of your Son, and hope 
and trust he will add greatly to the stock of 
domestic enjoyments that seem continually 
augmenting around you. Give my congratu- 
lations to Mrs. Brevoort on the occasion, if 
it has not grown too old a story by the time 
this letter arrives. 

I have been in London for about six weeks, 
and shall make it most probably my head- 
quarters while I remain in England. My 
health has been but indifferent this summer, 
having been nervous and debilitated which 
produced at times great depression of spirits. 

As the weather grows cool however, I feel 

293 



LONDON, SEPTEMBER 27«2 ) 8 



myself reviving and hope soon to be myself 
again. 

I believe I mentioned to you in a former 
letter that I had met with Ogilvie in England. 
He is now in London and is preparing for 
another attempt at oratorical display in the 
Metropolis. He was very successful in Scot- 
land, but has never had a fair chance at the 
London folks. I think his success here very 
problematical, though vastly his inferiors have 
succeeded; but there is great caprice in 
public taste in London. By the death of a 
relative he has fallen heir to a little family 
estate called Dunnydeen, which is sufficient 
for all his moderate wants. I see him fre- 
quently, and am more convinced than ever of 
the pureness of his intentions, and goodness 
of his heart. He is quite a visionary but a 
most interesting one. 

•^ You mention that the Booksellers are want- 
ing a new Edition of Knickerbocker. I have 

been preparing one and am only waiting to 

294 



L; ]JDON, SEPTEMBER 2^^ 1818 



get twi 5plates printed to send it out to Moses 
Thomas for publication. The two plates 
are excellent engravings from two drawings, 
by Leslie and Allston. The pictures have 
great merit. I have ordered two or three 
hundred proofs of each to be struck off in case 
any person might be inclined to purchase them 
for framing as specimens of AUston's & Leslie's 
abilities. I wish to cover the expenses as far as 
possible. They have cost a considerable sum 
— at least considerable to my slender purse. I 
hope this new edition will bring me in a little 
money soon or my purse will soon be empty. 

I have drawn on Moses Thomas for three 
hundred dollars, in your favour, to pay off a 
Bookseller's account for Books sent him. I 
had not intended to trouble you again in this 
way — but I did not know whether my Brother 
William would be in town. 

Can I be of any service to you in buying 

Books, as I shall probably be some time in 

London. 

295 



LONDON, SEPTEMBER 27th 1818 

Remember me to such of my friends as 
seem to care any thing about me and give my 
sincere regards to your better half. 

I am my dear Brevoort — as ever 

Affectionately Yours 
W. I. 

P. S. I have given Mr. Bartley of Drury Lane 
a letter of introduction to you — Mrs. Bartley 
I am told is a fine intelligent woman and I 
thought you would feel an interest in know- 
ing her. I enclose first of Exchg. on Moses 
Thomas at 60 days sight for 300$ favour of 
H. Brevoort Jr. 



296 



LONDON, OCTOBER i6i]2 1818 

London, Oct. 16- 18 18. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I have this day drawn on you at ninety 
days date in favour of Mess. A, & S. Richards 
for Three Hundred Dollars. It is against a 
draft which I lately sent you, on Moses 
Thomas for a like amount at sixty days sight. 
I am writing in extreme haste that my let- 
ter may go by a parcel which is making up. 

Yours affectionately 
W. I. 



297 



LONDON, MARCH si 1819 

London, March j- 1819. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I have this moment received your letter of 
Feb^ 2- which came most opportunely, as 
it shewed the impossibility of my relying 
further on poor Thomas in literary matters, 
and I was on the point of commencing further 
operations with him. He is a worthy honest 
fellow, but apt to entangle himself. Were I 
a rich man I would give him my writings for 
nothing — as I am a very poor one, I must take 
care of myself. 
^ I have just sent to my brother Eben-'' Mss: 
for the first number of a work which if suc- 
cessful I hope to continue occasionally. I 
had wished him to send it to Thomas for 
publication ; but I now must have it published 
by some one else. Will you, as you are a 
literary man and a man of leisure, take it 
under your care. I wish the copy right 
secured for me, and the work printed, and 

then sold to one or more booksellers, who will 

298 



LONDON, MARCH 3^ 1819 

take the whole impression at a fair discount 
& give cash or good notes for it. This makes 
short work of it and is more profitable to the 
author than selling the copy right. I should 
like Thomas to have the first offer — as he has 
been and is a true friend to me & I wish him 
to have any advantage that may arise from 
the publication of it. 

If the work is printed in N York will you 
correct the proof sheets, as I fear the Mss: 
will be obscure & occasionally incorrect, & 
you are well acquainted with my handwriting. 

I feel great diffidence about this re-appear- 
ance in literature. I am conscious of my 
imperfections — and my mind has been for a 
long time past so preyed upon and agitated 
by various cares and anxieties, that I fear it 
has lost much of its cheerfulness and some of 
its activity. 

I have attempted no lofty theme nor sought 

to look wise and learned, which appears to be 

very much the fashion among our American 

299 



LONDON, MARCH 3d 1819 

writers at present. I have preferred ad- 
dressing myself to the feeling & fancy of the 
reader, more than to his judgment. My 
writings may appear therefore light & trifling 
in our country of philosophers & politicians — 
but if they possess merit in the class of litera- 
ture to which they belong it is all to which I 
aspire in the work. I seek only to blow a 
flute of accompaniment in the national con- 
cert, and leave others to play the fiddle & 
French horn. 

I shall endeavour to follow this first number 
by a second as soon as possible, but some time 
may intervene — for my writing moods are 
very precarious, and I have been rendered 
excessively nervous by the kind of life I have 
led for some time past. 
^ Your request that I should draw on you 
when in want of money is one of the man}^ 
gratifying proofs of friendship which I have 
received from you. Indeed the offer is a most 

acceptable one ; for I have been much annoyed 

300 



LONDON, MARCH 3^ 1819 

by the idea of running short of funds, and was 
determined not to ask for any in advance. 
I can draw on you with confidence, as you 
will receive the proceeds of my writings, which 
I hope will more than cover my drafts. The 
supply of cash will enable me to go over to 
the continent by & bye, where I wish to visit 
a few places before I return to America. I 
may therefore draw on you in the course of 
a few weeks, for 1000$ — especially if I feel 
confidence in the prosecution of my work. If 
I can get my mind into full play, and dash off 
a set of writings that may do me credit; I 
shall return home with alacrity, and it will 
hasten my return — but I cannot bear the 
thoughts of limping home broken down & 
spiritless, to be received kindly in remem- 
brance of former services. 

I wish you to keep the contents of this 
letter to yourself; say nothing of my Mss: and 
dont let any one see it before printed — I 

dread awakening expectations. 

301 



LONDON, MARCH 3d 1819 

Give my most affectionate regards to your 
wife, whom I love for your sake as well as her 
own. The misfortune of the Ren wicks gave 
me some dismal feelings — it seemed as if 
another little region of my happiness was laid 
waste — and thus piece by piece the whole 
home scene I had left behind was becoming 
desolate. Give them my best wishes & 
remembrances . 

I read your statement of the affair with 
Strong with feelings of indignation and sur- 
prise — indignation that so worthless a wretch 
could have it so much in his power to molest 
the peace of the worthy — and surprise that 
you should have suffered it to annoy you to 
such a degree — or to fancy that your fair, 
generous & immaculate character needed any 
statement to vindicate it. 

God bless you my dear Brevoort. 

Your friend 
W. I. 



302 



LONDON, MARCH 3d 1819 

P. S. I wish a pretty high price to be put 
on my work; and that the Booksellers should 
be brought to indicate terms. 

Do not press poor Thomas about the 300$ 
if still unpaid — let him have time. I fear I 
shall be sadly disappointed in the receipt of 
funds from the edition of the Hist, of N 
York — I had depended upon it for current 
expenses; but must now look forward to the 
future exertions of my pen. 



303 



LONDON, APRIL iLt 1819 



London, April J- 18 ig. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I send a second no. of the Sketch Book. It 
is not so large as the first but I have not been 
able to get more matter ready for publica- 
tion; and indeed I am not particular about 
the work being regular in any way. The 
price of this number of course must be less 
than the first. 

I have read your article in the Feby number \ 
of the Analectic with great pleasure. I am 
glad you are occupying your abundant leisure 
in this way. It will give you an object to 
excite your mind & give a seasoning to exist- 
ence — and I think you may both do yourself 
great credit and American literature service 
by writing occasionally. 

I have been delighted with Verplanck's 
oration. It does him honor and shows of what 
he is capable. I hope he will not put our 
old Dutch burghers into the notion that they 
must feel affronted with poor Diedrich Knick- 

304 f 



LONDON, APRIL i?! 1819 



erbocker just as he is creeping out in the new- 
edition. I could not help laughing at this 
burst of filial feeling in Verplanck, on the 
jokes put upon his ancestors, though I honour 
the feeling and admire the manner in which it 
is expressed. It met my eyes just as I had 
finished the little story of Rip Van Winkle 
and I could not help noticing it in the intro- 
duction to that Bagatelle. I hope Verplanck 
will not think the article was written in 
defiance of his Vituperation. Remember me 
heartily to him, and tell him I mean to grow 
wiser and better and older every day and to 
lay the castigation he has given me seriously 
to heart. 

Give my best regards to Mrs. Brevoort, 
and believe me, my dear Brevoort, 

Yotirs affectionately 
W. I. 

P. S. I hope you have been able to make 
arrangements with Thomas for the publica- 

VOL. I. — 20. .■^05 



LONDON, APRIL i^l 1819 



tion of my writings. I should greatly prefer 
its being published by him. 

If you can suggest any hints that will be of 
service to me in the work — any thing that will 
cheer & excite me, do so I beg of you. Let me 
know what themes etc. would be popular and 
striking in America; for I have been so long 
in England that things cease to strike me here 
as realities and to wear a commonplace aspect. 



306 



LONDON, MAY 13th 1819 



London, May ij- i8ig. 
{Portion of a missing letter from Irving to 
Brevoort.) 
By the ship which brings this, I forward 
a third number of the Sketch Book; and 
if you have interested yourself in the fate of 
the preceding, I will thank you to extend your 
kindness to this also. I am extremely anxious 
to hear from you what you think of the first 
ntimber, and am looking anxiously for the 
arrival of the next ship from New York. My 
fate hangs on it, for I am now at the end of my 
fortune. 



307 



LONDON, JULY lotJi 1819 



London, July 10- 181Q. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I rec- a few days since your letter of the 
9- June and a day or two afterwards yours 
of 2- & 8- May which had been detained in 
LiverpooL This last gave me your opinion 
of my first number. I had felt extremely 
anxious to ascertain it, and your apparent 
silence had discouraged me. 

I am not sorry for the delay that has taken 

place in the publication as it will give me more 

time to prepare my next number. Various 

circumstances have concurred to render me 

very nervous & subject to fits of depression 

that incapacitate me for literary exertion. 

All that I can do at present is in transient 

gleams of sunshine which are soon overclouded 

and I have to struggle against continual damps 

and chills. I hold on patiently to my purpose 

however in hopes of more genial weather 

hereafter, when I will be able to exert myself 

more effectively. 

308 



LONDON, JULY lotJ] 1819 



It is a long while since I have heard from my 
Brother William and I am apt to attribute his 
silence to dissatisfaction at my not accepting 
the situation at Washington; a circumstance 
which I apprehend has disappointed others of 
my friends. In these matters, however, just 
weight should be given to a man's taste & 
inclinations. The value of a situation is only 
as it contributes to a man's happiness — and 
I should have been perfectly out of my ele- 
ment and uncomfortable in Washington. The 
place could merely have supported me, and 
instead of rising as my friends appear to antici- 
pate, I should have sunk even in my own 
opinion. My mode of life has unfortunately 
been such as to render me unfit for almost any 
useful purpose. I have not the kind of 
knowledge or the habits that are necessary 
for business or regular official duty. My 
acquirements, tastes & habits are just such as 
to adapt me for the kind of literary exertions 

I contemplate. It is only in this way I have 

309 



LONDON, JULY lo^h 1819 



any chance of acquiring real reputation, and 
I am desirous of giving it a fair trial. I have 
long since been committed in print — & when 
once launched a man has no alternative — ^he 
must either do better or be judged by what he 
has done. My only regret is that my pecu- 
niary wants have forced me to take the field 
before I felt myself sufficiently prepared, or 
my mind in a sufficient state of freedom from 
other cares, and fullness of literary excitement. 
Had I been able to save but a pittance from 
the wrecks of our concerns, so as to keep 
me above the fear of a positively empty 
purse, I should have felt more ease of 
mind and been able the better to have 
matured my plans. At present my efforts 
must all be precarious, subject to delays & 
imperfections. 

I feel perfectly satisfied with your arrange- 
ments respecting the work, & more than ever 
indebted to you for these offices of friendship. 

I have delayed drawing on you until I should 

310 



LONDON, JULY loili 1819 



hear further about the work; but shall have 
to do so soon. ^ 

I am sorry that Paulding has undertaken 
to continue Salmagundi without consulting 
me. He should have done so as I am impli- 
cated in the first series. I think it a very 
injudicious thing. The work was pardonable 
as a juvenile production, and has been indul- 
gently received by the public. But it is full 
of errors, puerilities & impertinences which 
James should have had more judgment than 
to guarantee at his mature age. I was in 
hopes it would gradually have gone down into 
oblivion; but it is now dragged once more 
before the public & subject to a more vigorous 
criticism. I am glad however that James 
is not writing another large poem as I under- 
stood he was. He is too eager to get into 
print and too impatient of the labour of 
correction to write large poems though he has 
poetical thoughts in abundance. a 

Peter is well & desires to be heartily re- 
311 



LONDON, JULY io«i 1819 



membered to you. Letters have been written 
home in his behalf for the situation of Consul 
at Marseilles — vacant by the death of the late 
occupant. I hope our friends & connexions 
will push the matter promptly & effectually — 
if they cannot do this for him they can do 
nothing. 

Give my sincere regards to Mrs. Brevoort 
& speak a good word for me now & then to 
your little boy whom I hope some day or 
other to have for a playmate. 

Remember me to the rest of your domestic 
circle and believe me as ever 

Affectionately yours 
W. I. 



312 



LONDON, JULY 28th 1819 



London, July 28- i8ig. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

As usual I have but a few moments left 
to scribble a line before the opportunity 
departs by which I write. I have seen a copy 
of the first number of the Sketch Book, which 
was sent out to a gentleman of my acquaint- 
ance. I cannot but express how much more 
than ever I feel myself indebted to you for the 
manner in which you have attended to my 
concerns. The work is got up in a beautiful 
style ; I should scarcely have ventured to have 
made so elegant an entree had it been left 
to myself, for I had lost confidence in my 
writings. I have not discovered an error 
in the printing, and indeed have felt de- 
lighted at my genteel appearance in print. 
I would observe that the work appears to 
be a little too highly pointed. I don't know 
whether my manuscript was so, or whether 
it is the scrupulous precision of the printer 

— ^high pointing is apt to injure the fluency 

313 



LONDON, JULY 2^ 1819 



of the style if the reader attends to all the 
stops. 

I am quite pleased that the work has ex- 
perienced delay, as it gives me time to get up 
materials to keep the series going. I have 
been rather aflat for a considerable time past, 
and able to do nothing with my pen & was 
fearful of a great hiatus in the early part of my 
work which would have been a disadvantage. 
My spirits have revived recently and I trust, 
if I receive favourable accounts of the work's 
taking in America that I shall be able to go on 
with more animation. 

I had intended to dispatch a number by 
this ship. It is all written out, & stitched up 
— ^but as I find you will not stand in immediate 
need of it, I will keep it by me for a few days 
as there is some trivial finishing necessary. 
You may calculate upon receiving it, however, 
by one of the first ships that sail after this. " 

I do not wish any given time to elapse 

between the numbers — but that they should 

314 



LONDON, JULY 28th 1819 



appear irregularly — indeed the precarious- 
ness & inequality of my own fits of composition 
will prevent that. 

Should the first number come to a second 
edition I have noticed two trivial errors in 
Grammar, which I would have corrected — 
there are doubtless other inaccuracies — but 
these only have caught my eye in hastily 
running over the number. 

Page IV of the prospectus line third — for — 
"those high honours that are" read — "those 
high honours which are" 

Page 45. line 8 for — "and true love will not 
brook reserve" read — "and true love never 
brooks reserve." 

I would wish an alteration also in a passage 

which is rather strongly expressed, viz: Page 

21. Line 6. for. "/ question whether Columbus** 

&c — "No one that has not felt them can 

conceive the delicious sensations, &c. " 

I look anxiously for your letter by the packet, 
315 



LONDON, JULY 28th 1819 



which must come to hand in a few days — and 
trust at the same time to hear something of the 
reception of my work — until then I shall con- 
tinue a little nervous. 

Give my sincere regards to Mrs. Brevoort, 
and do let me hear more about your domestic 
establishment. I am continually picturing 
you to myself in your character of a husband 
& father. 

Remember me also to your worthy parents 
and to the Renwick circle and believe me my 
dear Brevoort in all moods & fortunes most 
affectionately yours 

W. I. 



316 



LONDON, AUGUST 2I 1819 

London, Aug. 2- 18 ig. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I forward Sketch Book No. 4 to my Brother 
E. Irving. I find in the printed copy of No. 
I three or four inaccuracies in language in 
addition to those already pointed out, but I 
have not the number by me to correct them. 
These errors will take place whenever an 
author has not the advantage of correcting 
the proofs where he sees his sentiments fairly 
printed and brought out in a final compass 
under his eye. I wish you would keep an eye 
to see that grammatical inaccuracies do not oc- 
cur. I often alter my sentiments after they are 
written out, which is apt to make these errors. 

I send the present number with reluctance 
for it has grown exceeding stale with me, part 
of it laid out by me during a time that I was 
out of spirits and could not complete. 

I am in great haste, and am as ever 

Affectionately yours 

W. I. 

317 



LONDON, AUGUST 12th 1819 

London, Aug. 12- 18 ig. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I have rec- your letter of July 9th, which 
has given me infinite gratification; but I have 
not time to reply to it as I could wish. I 
wrote to you lately expressing how much I 
was delighted by the manner in which you got 
up my work: the favourable reception it has 
met with is extremely encouraging, and repays 
me for much doubt & anxiety. I am glad 
to hear from you and my brother Eben-, that 
you think my second number better than the 
first. The manner in which you have spoken 
of several of the articles is also very service- 
able ; it lets me know where I make a right hit 
and will serve to govern future exertions. 

I regret that you did not send me at least 
half a dozen copies of the work, I am sadly 
tantalized having but barely the single copy — 
I have not made any determination about re- 
publishing in this country, and shall ask advice, 

if I can meet with any one here who can give 

318 



LONDON, AUGUST I2t.'i 1819 

it me: but my literary acquaintance is very 
limited at present. I wish you would enquire 
& let me know how the History of New York 
sells, as Thomas is rather negligent in giving 
me information about it. Let him have his 
own time in settling for it, as I believe the poor 
fellow is straightened in these hard times. ^ 

You observe that the public complains of _ 
the price of my work — this is the disadvantage 
of coming in competition with republished 
English works for which the Booksellers have 
not to pay any thing to the authors. If the 
American public wish to have literature of 
their own they must consent to pay for the 
support of authors. A work of the same size 
& get up in the former way as my first number 
would sell for more in England and the cost of 
prmtmg &c would be less. The Booksellers 
have required a large discount from you, such 
as is allowed on all heavy stock books. Peri- 
odical works in this country, only allow 25 

per cent and popular works that promise ready 

319 



LONDON, AUGUST 12th 1819 

sale only 20 per ct. When I published the 
first edition of Knickerbocker I only allowed 
Bradford & Inskeep 20 pr. ct. and they take 
all the risk of the works not selling. I am, 
however, perfectly satisfied with the allowance 
you have made if it induces the Booksellers to 
be attentive to the work. — I only mention this 
to show that the terms on which you have 
published the work are fair & reasonable as 
literature goes. For my part if I can succeed 
in writing so as deservedly to please the public 
and gain the good will of my countrymen it 
is all I care about — I only want money enough 
to enable me to keep on my own way and 
follow my own taste and inclination — and as 
my habits are not expensive, a very little 
money will enable me to do that. 

I drew on you lately in favour of Mr. Sam 
Williams at 30 days sight for 1000$. Gen. 
Boyd bought the draft and I have the money. 

I have sent a few days since my 4th nimiber. 

I forgot to obliterate a sentence in an article 

320 



LONDON, AUGUST 12th 1819 

headed John Bull. It is as follows — "lie 
is like the man who would not have a wart taken 
off of his nose because it had always been there, 
&€. &€." As I do not like the simile & 
question whether it is a good & pleasant one 
you had better run a pen through it and let the 
paragraph end with the words "family abuses.'' 

I have mentioned several errata in the first 
number which were caused by negligence or 
alterations — I have since seen two or three 
others but I cannot at this moment point them 
out. Should another edition be published 
I will thank you to look over it narrowly. 

Page 80. line 4. for "The dogs too — not one 
of which he recognized for his old acquaint- 
ances'' — read "not one of which he recognized 
for an old acquaintance — " 

Page 29. ' ' No garden of thought or elysium 
of fancy" — read nor elysium &c 

30. "not on the exclusive devotion 
of time & wealth or the quickening &c" — 
read — nor the quickening &c 

VOL. I. — 21. 321 



LONDON, AUGUST 12'^ 1819 

41 line fifteen, "they are monarchs" 
read — they are the monarchs — perhaps the 
whole sentence would be better by making it 
in the singular — viz: "7 have observed that a 
married man falling into misfortunes is more 
apt to retrieve his situation in the world than 
a single man.'" 

But I will not plague you with these petty 
troubles. These are all such corrections as 
an author makes when he has proof-sheets to 
look over — and for want of that final revision I 
must expect to appear ungrammatical & awk- 
ward occasionally. I feel very much obliged by 
Verplanck's notice of my work in the Analectic 
— and very much encouraged to find it meets 
with his approbation. I know no one's taste 
to whom I would more thoroughly defer. 

You suppose me to be on the continent, but 
I shall not go for some time yet — and you may 
presume on letters &c finding me in England. 

I have looked through James P's first 

number of Salmagundi & am pleased with 

322 



LONDON, AUGUST 12th 1819 

some parts of it — but cannot but regret he 
had not suffered the old work to die a natural 
death. He is not necessitated to publish for 
bread & should now take time to produce 
something finished and correct to the best of 
his ability — on which he might safely rest 
his reputation. He will only write himself 
below his real value by hasty effusions. 

I must conclude for my letter is called for. 
Accept my dear Brevoort a thousand and a 
thousand thanks for all your kindnesses — I 
will not apologize to you for all the trouble I 
give you for there is something delightful to 
me in the idea that my writings are coming 
out imder your eye and that you in a manner 
stand God father to all my children. I feel 
as if it were a new tie that binds us together. 

Give my most affectionate regards to your 
wife, 

And believe me ever 

Yours 

W. I. 

323 



LONDON, AUGUST 15th 1819 

London, Aug. if- 18 ig. 

DEAR BREVOORT: — 

In great haste I enclose you an essay which 
I have just scribbled and which I wish inserted 
in the fourth number in place of one of the 
articles as I am afraid the number has too 
great a predominance of the humourous. You 
may insert it in place of John Bull and keep 
that article for the fifth number. I have not 
had time to give this article a proper finishing, 
and wish you to look sharp that there are not 
blunders and tautologies in it. It has been 
scribbled off hastily and part of it actually in 
a churchyard on a recent ramble into the 
country. The part beginning at Page 21 
must commence at a separate page with a 
line above it such as I have marked to shew 
that it is a kind of note or codicil; though if 
you think best you may omit the codicil 
altogether. 

Should this essay come too late for the 

fourth number, keep it by you for the fifth. 

324 



LONDON, AUGUST 15112 1819 

Do not show any of my Mss: but let every- 
thing appear in print unanticipated. In great 

haste, 

Yours affectionately 

W. I. 



325 



LONDON, SEPTEMBER 9th 1819 

London, Sept. g- i8ig. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I have rec- this morning a parcel from 
Liverpool containing two parcels from you — ■ 
one of four of the first number, and the other, 
five of the 26. number of the Sketch Book — 
with your letter pr Courier. The second 
number is got up still more beautifully than 
the first — I cannot express to you how much 
I am delighted with the very tasteful manner 
in which it is executed. You may tell Mr. 
Van Winkle that it does him great credit and 
has been much admired here as a specimen of 
American typography — and among the admir- 
ers is Murray, the "prince of Booksellers," 
so famous for his elegant publications. In- 
deed the manner in which you have managed 
the whole matter gives me infinite gratification. 
You have put my writings into circulation, 
and arranged the pecuniary concerns in such 
a way as to save future trouble and petty 

chafferings about accounts, and to give the 

326 



LONDON, SEPTEMBER 9'^ 1819 

whole an independent and gentleman like 
air. I would rather sacrifice fifty per cent 
than have to keep accounts, and dun book- 
sellers for payment. / 
The manner in which the work has been 
received and the eulogiums that have been 
passed upon it in the American papers and 
periodical works have completely overwhelmed 
me. They go far, far beyond my most san- 
guine expectations and indeed are expressed 
with such peculiar warmth and kindness as 
to affect me in the tenderest manner. The rv 
receipt of your letter and the reading of some 
of these criticisms this morning have rendered 
me nervous for the whole day. I feel almost 
appalled by such success, and fearful that it 
cannot be real — or that it is not fully merited, 
or that I shall not set up to the expectations 
that may be formed. We are whimsically 
constituted beings. I had got out of conceit 
of all that I had written, and considered it 

very questionable stuff — and now that it is so 

327 



LONDON, SEPTEMBER g^l 1819 

extravagantly bepraised I begin to feel afraid 
that I shall not do as well again. However we 
shall see as we get on — as yet I am extremely 
irregular & precarious in my fits of composi- 
tion. The least thing puts me out of the vein, 
and even applause flurries me and prevents my 
writing, though of course it will ultimately be 
a stimulus. I have done very little for some 
time past. The warm weather is against me, 
and I have been anxious and a little restless in 
mind — I shall endeavour to dispatch the fifth 
number soon. 

By the bye — I break off in the middle of my 
letter lest I should again forget a matter on 
which I have intended to speak for these two 
years. You once sent me a Mss: copy of my 
article about Philip of Pokanoket — copied by 
Miss Goodrich, and I have been ungallant 
enough never to acknowledge so very marked 
a kindness. It has perpetually slipped my 
memory when I have been writing and has 

now in an unaccountable way popped into my 

328 



LONDON, SEPTEMBER 91^ 1819 

brain. Will you make her my very best 
acknowledgements — and apologize for the 
tardiness with which they are made — and at 
the same time present her with a copy of the 
Sketch Book & continue to send her the 
numbers, as the only return a poor devil 
of an author can make. I feel the more 
obliged to Miss Goodrich for the trouble 
she took as I had no claim on the score 
of acquaintanceship to such an act of 
civility. 

I have been somewhat touched by the 
manner in which my writings have been 
noticed in the Evening Post. I had considered 
Coleman as cherishing an ill will towards me, 
and to tell the truth have not always been the 
most courteous in my opinions concerning 
him. It is a painful thing either to dislike 
others or to fancy they dislike us, and I have 
felt both pleasure and self reproach at finding 
myself so mistaken with respect to Mr. Cole- 
man. I like to out with a good feeling as soon 

3^9 



LONDON, SEPTEMBER g^Ji 1819 

as it rises, and so I have dropt Coleman a 
line on the subject. 

I hope you will not attribute all this sensi- 
bility to the kind reception I have met with 
to an author's vanity — I am sure it proceeds 
from very different sources. Vanity could 
not bring the tears into my eyes as they have 
been brought by the kindness of my country- 
men. I have felt cast down, blighted and 
broken spirited and these sudden rays of 
sunshine agitate even more than they revive 
me. 

I hope — I hope I may yet do something 
more worthy of the approbation lavished on 
me. 

I unexpectedly a day or two since met with 
William Renwick — I did not immediately 
recognize him he has grown so much and looks 
so manly. He resembles James very much 
in countenance. He was sent from Paris 
& was to set off for Edinburgh the next 

morning — via Liverpool. I had a couple of 

330 



LONDON, SEPTEMBER 9th 1819 • 

hours conversation with him and was highly- 
pleased with him — he seems to have spent his 
time in Europe to advantage. 

Give my best regards to your wife and 
remember me heartily to the little circle of 
our peculiar intimacy. I am my dear Bre- 
voort 

Yours affectionately 

W. I. 

P. S. In looking over this letter I find it is 
all about myself — but I have no time to add 
any more & write about any thing else. 



331 



- LONDON, SEPTEMBER 2i!_t 1819 
Lojidon, Sept. 21- i8ig. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

By the Atlantic, Capt. Matlock, you will 
receive a parcel containing corrected copies of 
the I and 2nd Nos. of the Sketch Book, from 
which I wish the 2nd edition (if they should 
go to 2nd edition) to be printed. 

I am at work on the 5th number, and hope 
to send it in time to have it published before 
Christmas. My mind gets running away 
from me now & then and breaking into sub- 
jects which are not fitted for the mmiber in 
hand, and sometimes I have long intervals 
of literary incapacity, which occasions delays. 
In great haste 

Yours affectionately 
W. I. 



332 



LONDON, MARCH 27th 1820 

London, March zf- 1820. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

As I hear you have once more got back to 
New York I cannot let the packet depart 
without addressing you a line, though to write 
at this moment is to tear ideas up by the roots. 
I wish to heaven when you determined to un- 
settle yourself for a season and to venture on 
the salt seas, you had made England a visit 
instead of Charlestown. The trouble would 
have been about the same, and you might 
have shown Mrs. B. the wonders of London. 
I have just returned from a visit to Van Warts. 
I had not seen the family for more than a 
year and a half, during which time I had been 
leading a solitary life in London. I passed 
about ten days with them, and it was a 
wretched struggle to part with them again; 
it almost unmanned me, and I have scarcely 
been myself since. Their children have grown 
finely; and their youngest, who was born 
since my residence in London, is called after 



LONDON, MARCH 2^^ 1820 

me, which perhaps is the reason I think him a 
remarkably fine little fellow. 

I lately sent E. I. a copy of the London 
Edition of the Sketch Book which I presume 
he will show you. I found some delay and 
difficulty in making arrangements with any 
popular Bookseller, so I threw it into the 
hands of Little Miller to be published on my 
own account, and let it take its chance. In 
spite of the disadvantages of such a mode of 
publication it is getting on, and is well spoken 
of by such of the reviews as have noticed it. 
There is a strong article in its favour in Black- 
wood's Magazine, which is by Mr. Lockhart, 
the author of Peter's letters to his Kinsfolk. 
He is shortly to be married to Walter Scott's 
oldest daughter — and by a letter which I 
lately reed, from Scott I find the article was 
written at his instigation. So much for an 
author's egotism! Any other but yourself 
would think I was writing from vanity. I 

wish I did possess more of it, but it seems my 

334 



LONDON, MARCH 27th 1820 

curse, at present, to have anything but con- 
fidence in myself or pleasiire in anything I 
have written. 

Leslie's picture of "Master Slender and 
Anne Page," and "Sir Roger de Coverly 
going to Church," are getting engraved. I 
will put down your name for proof copies, as 
I am sure you will like to have them. 

I had a delightful letter from James Pauld- 
ing lately, dated from Washington ; it brought 
so many recollections of early times and scenes 
and companions and pursuits to my memory, 
that my heart was filled to overflowing. What 
I would give to live over a few of the happy 
hours we have passed together ! I am happy 
to find from Paulding's letter that he is 
pleasantly situated at Washington, and com- 
fortable in his circumstances. There seems 
to be a pitiful and illiberal spirit indulged 
towards him by the writers in our reviews and 
newspapers. What is the state of our liter- 
ature that it can afford to treat with slight 

335 



LONDON, MARCH 27th 1820 

and contumely such a writer as Paulding — 
there is no one that has ever portrayed Amer- 
ican scenery and characters with greater 
truth and beauty. It is an ungenerous and 
unkind thing to put him and me in contrast, 
as some have done, and to praise me at his 
expense. It is excessively painful to me, and 
unjust to him. I neither deserve, nor desire 
distinction of that kind and those that make 
it, do not understand our distinct and com- 
parative merit. 

But I find I am scribbling again about my- 
self — I am in a miserable mood for letter 
writing and will write you more fully when in 
a writing humour. Give my sincerest regards 
to Mrs. Brevoort, and to our little knot of 
intimates and believe me as ever 

Affectionately yours 

W. I. 



336 



LONDON, MAY 13^ 1820 



London, May jj 1820. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I send this letter by my friend Delafield, 
whom I presume, you know; if not, you ought 
to know him, for he is a right worthy fellow. 
He has in charge a portrait of me, painted by 
Newton, the nephew of Mr. Stuart. It is 
considered an excellent likeness, and I am 
willing that it should be thought so — though 
between ourselves, I think myself a much 
better-looking fellow on canvas than in the 
looking-glass. I beg you to accept it as a 
testimony of my affection; and my deep 
sense of your true brotherly kindness towards 
me on all occasions. Do not let the likeness 
be seen much until it is framed. I ask this 
on Newton's account, who is a young artist 
and anxious that his works should appear to 
advantage, and paintings without frames have 
an unfinished appearance. Newton is an 
elegant young man and an artist of great 
promise. He is already noted for his fine 

VOL. I. — 22. 337 



LONDON, MAY 13th 1820 



eye for colouring, and his extraordinary tact 
and facility of pencil. 

I reed yesterday your letter of the beginning 
of April to which I Vv^ill reply more at length 
by another opportunity. The Sketch Book 
is doing very well here. It has been checked 
for a time by the failure of Miller ; but Murray 
has taken it in hand, and it will now have a 
fair chance. I shall put a complete edition 
to press next week, in two volumes; and at 
the same time print a separate edition of the 
second volume, to match the editions of the 
first already published. I have reed very 
flattering compliments from several of the 
literati, and find my circle of acquaintance 
extending faster than I could wish. Mur- 
ray's drawing-room is now a frequent resort 
of mine, where I have been introduced to 
several interesting characters, and have been 
most courteously received by Gifford. Old 
D' Israeli is a staunch friend of mine also; and 

I have met with some very interesting people 

338 



LONDON, MAY 13th 1820 



at his house. This evening I go to the Countess 
of Besborough's, where there is to be quite a 
collection of characters, among whom I shall 
see Lord Wellington, whom I have never yet 
had the good luck to meet with. — Do apples 
swim! 

Scott, or rather Sir Walter Scott, passed 
some time in town when he came up to get his 
Baronetcy. I saw him repeatedly and was 
treated by him with all the hearty cordiality 
of an old friend. I believe the interest he 
took in the Sketch Book and his good word for 
it have been of great service to it. He inquired 
particularly after you. He is still the same 
right true honest, hearty, unaffected, unas- 
suming boy as when you knew him. Popu- 
larity has no effect on his sound head and 
worthy heart. He has given me repeated 
invitations to come down to Scotland and 
pass some time with him. Sophy Scott is by 
this time married to Lockhart. 

I shall not send any more manuscript to 
339 



LONDON, MAY is^Ji 1820 



America, until I put it to press here, as the 
second volume might be delayed, and the 
number come out here from America. The 
manner in which the work has been received 
here, instead of giving me spirit to write, has 
rather daunted me for the time. I feel un- 
easy about the second volume, and cannot 
write any fresh matter for it. 

I was at the Anniversary Dinner of the 
Royal Institution a few days since, where to 
my surprise I met with Brandsam — you re- 
collect him as the companioji de voyage of 
Dan Reidy on the Canada tour about sixteen 
years since. We renewed our acquaintance 
and he left his card for me this morning. 

Campbell is residing in town for the present, 
as he is lecturing at the Royal Institution. He 
leaves London in three or four weeks for 
Tuscany where he means to pass a year. 

A new poem is coming out by Lord Byron 

called the Prophecy of Dante — I presume it is 

a ghost one. He sent likewise the third & 

340 



LONDON, MAY 13112 1820 



fourth cantos of Don Juan which Murray- 
has returned to him and begged him to re- 
consider & revise them. The third canto 
I am told is miserable in every way. The 
fourth possesses much beauty. 

The death of our gallant friend Decatur is 
indeed a heavy blow. I regret extremely that 
the correspondence is published. It is an 
ill judged thing and not calculated to raise 
the character of either of the parties. I feel 
deeply for poor Mrs. Decatur, whose situa- 
tion must be wretched in the extreme. 

I must conclude this scrawl as Miss Dela- 
field has entered the drawing room where I 
am scribbling it. Remember me to Mrs. 
Brevoort and to the rest of our friends, and 
believe me, most affectionately 

Yours 

W.I. 



341 



LONDON, AUGUST 15th 1820 

London, August ij^Jl 1820. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I wrote to you not very long since and 
I sent sometime since by Delafield a por- 
trait which I trust you have received before 
this. 

I am now in all the hurry and bustle of 
breaking up my encampment, and moving off 
for the continent. After remaining so long 
in one place it is painful to cast loose again 
and turn oneself adrift; but I do not wish to 
remain long enough in any place in Europe 
to make it a home. 

Since I have published with Murray, I have 
had continual opportunities of seeing some- 
thing of the literary world, and have formed 
some very agreeable acquaintances. You 
know Murray's drawing-room is a complete 
rendezvous of men of talent ; where you meet 
with the first characters of the day; and it has 
been for some time past an almost daily re- 
sort of mine. 

342 



LONDON, AUGUST 15th 1820 

There have been some literary coteries set 
on foot lately, by some Blue Stockings of 
fashion, at which I have been much amused. 
Lady Caroline Lamb is a great promoter of 
them. You may have read some of her 
writings, particularly her Glenarvon, in which 
she has woven many anecdotes of fashionable 
life and fashionable characters; and hinted 
at particulars of her own story and that 
of Lord Byron. She is a strange being, a 
compound of contradictions, with much to 
admire, much to stare at, and much to con- 
demn. Among the most pleasant acquaint- 
ances I have met at Murray's is a young man 
by the name of Mitchell, who has recently 
published a translation of Aristophanes and 
writes those very clear and very amusing ar- 
ticles in the Quarterly Review on the manners 
of the Athenians, the Greek cookery &c. He 
is an excellent scholar, and possesses withal 
a very genuine vein of delicate humour, that 

gives a freedom and sportiveness to his writ- 

343 



LONDON, AUGUST 15-*^ 1820 

ings, not frequently found among scholastic 
men. 

I have been very much pleased also with 
Belzoni, the traveller, who is just bringing out 
a personal narrative of his researches, illus- 
trated with very extraordinary plates. There 
is the interior of a temple, excavated in a hill, 
which he discovered & opened ; which had the 
effect on me of an Arabian tale. There are 
rows of gigantic statues, thirty feet high, cut 
out of the calcareous rock, in perfect preserva- 
tion. I have been as much delighted in con- 
versing with him, & getting from him an 
account of his adventures & feelings, as was 
ever one of Sindbad's auditors. Belzoni is 
about six feet four or five inches high; of a 
large frame, but a small, and, I think, a very 
fine head; and a countenance which, at times, 
is very expressive Sc intelligent. 

I have likewise been very much pleased 
with a young man by the name of Cohen, 

who writes for the Quarterly Review — par- 

344 



LONDON, AUGUST isih 1820 

ticularly those articles on the Superstitions & 
Mythology of the Middle Ages, on which sub- 
ject, by the bye, he has undertaken to write a 
quarto work. He is remarkable for the ex- 
tent & diversity of his knowledge, and par- 
ticularly for being informed on all kinds of 
odd & out of the way subjects. 

I have also frequently met with Mr. Hallam, 
whose able & interesting work on the Middle 
Ages you have no doubt seen, and most 
probably have in your library. Like all other 
men of real talent and unquestionable merit, 
he is affable & unpretending. He is a copious 
talker, and you are sure when he is present to 
have conversation briskly kept up. — But it 
is useless merely to mention names in this 
manner; and is too much like entertaining 
one with a description of a banquet, by 
merely naming the dishes. One thing I 
have found invariably, that the greater the 
merit, the less has been the pretension; 

and that there is no being so modest, 

345 



LONDON, AUGUST 15th 1820 

natural, unaffected, and unassuming as a 
first-rate genius. 

I lately received a few lines from Henry 
Gary by Mr. Wallack the Actor. It gave me 
the greatest pleasure to recognize his hand- 
writing, and to receive this proof of recollec- 
tion. I had received some account of him a 
short time before from Gol. Perkins, whose 
daughter I find is married to a brother of 
Gary's. I am rejoiced to find that Gary is 
prospering in the world. No man better de- 
serves prosperity, and none I am sure will 
make a better use of it. I wish you would 
remember me to him heartily — I should write 
to him; but I have several to write to; and to 
tell the honest truth I find it hard work to 
bring myself to the task of letter writing. 

I am delighted to hear that oiu- worthy 

Patroon is doing well with his foundry. God 

bless & prosper him, and make him as rich and 

as happy as he deserves to be. I believe I 

told you in my last of a long letter, which I 

346 



LONDON, AUGUST 15th 1820 

received from James Paulding — it was a most 
gratifying one to me ; and it gave me a picture 
of quiet prosperity and domestic enjoyment, 
which it is delightful for a wandering, unsettled 
being like myself to contemplate. Oh my 
dear Brevoort, how my heart warms towards 
you all, when I get talking and thinking of 
past times and past scenes. What would I 
not give for a few days among the Highlands 
of the Hudson, with the little knot that was 
once assembled there ! But I shall return home 
and find all changed, and shall be made sensible 
how much I have changed myself. It is this 
idea which continually comes across my mind, 
when I think of home, and I am continually 
picturing to myself the dreary state of a poor 
devil like myself, who, after wandering about 
the world among strangers returns to find him- 
self a still greater stranger in his native place. 

He feels like one that treads alone 
Your Banquet Hall deserted, 
Whose lights are fled, whose garlands dead, 
And all but he departed. 

347 



LONDON, AUGUST 15^1^ 1820 

When you write to me next direct to the care 
of Beasley otir Consul at Havre who will for- 
ward the letter to me wherever I may be. 
And now my dear fellow I must take my leave, 
for it is midnight, and I am wearied with pack- 
ing trunks and making other preparations for 
my departure. The next you will hear from 
me will be from France; and after passing 
five years in England among genuine John 
Bulls, it will be like entering into a New World 
to cross the Channel. 

Remember me particularly to Mrs. Bre- 
voort, and to our intimate friends and believe 
me most truly & affectionately 

Yours 
W. I. 



348 



PARIS, SEPTEMBER 22d 1820 

Paris, Sept. 22- 1820. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

Peter and myself have taken a part in an 

enterprize for navigating the Seine by Steam. 

It will require a little capital on our part, 

and Peter will enter actively into the concern. 

I shall put into it 5000$ which I apprehend is 

all that I am worth in the world. I shall take 

no further share; nor suffer my mind to be 

occupied by it ; as I wish to turn my attention 

entirely to literature. I have engaged thus far, 

chiefly for the purpose of promoting Peter's 

views. The project will require an advance 

of pecuniary assistance from our friends in 

N York — I have just drawn on William Irving 

for 2000$ and have written to him at some 

length on the subject. I must refer you to 

my letter to him & letters from Peter to him 

& John I. for further explanations, as I am 

at this moment pressed for time & very much 

indisposed with a head ache. The purport of 

this letter is that you will use your exertions 

349 



PARIS, SEPTEMBER 22^ 1820 

to prevent my brothers from disappointing us 
in this business. I do not doubt their good 
will; but they are apt to hang fire; and delay 
would completely frustrate the whole enter- 
prize as far as we are concerned ; as there are 
men of capital here extremely desirous of 
entering into the scheme. If my brothers 
are unable to furnish the money required in 
time I wish you would assist them as far as 
your convenience will permit — at any rate 
do not let them delay, & postpone, & demur 
until the time is gone by. 

Peter has now been living on hopes, and 
very feeble ones, for two or three years; it 
is pretty evident they are not likely to strike 
out any thing for him in America; and now 
that he has struck out something for himself it 
behooves them to back him like two brothers. 
But it is needless for me to multiply words to 
you on this subject — I know you will do all 
that is right and friendly in the business. 

I wish you would write to me by the way of 

350 



PARIS, SEPTEMBER 22^ 1820 

Havre, care of R. G. Beasley, American Consul 
at Havre — it is a long time since I have heard 
from you. 

I have been about a month in Paris, but 
having been a little restless in mind I have 
not enjoyed it as much as I should otherwise 
have done — I shall write to you again when 
more composed and in better mood. 

Remember me with great regard to Mrs. 
Brevoort & believe me my dear Brevoort 
Most affectionately yours 

W. I. 



351 



PARIS, MARCH io«i 182 1 



Paris, March 10- 1821. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I have this moment heard of a vessel which 
sails from Havre tomorrow afternoon, and 
have hardly time to scrawl a line, to be sent 
off immediately with a letter Peter is sending 
by the Estafetti. 

I received your letter of Nov. 24th, and 
also letters from my Brothers on the same 
subject — viz. their declining to honour my 
drafts. I have no doubt they were influenced 
by the best motives, wishing to throw impedi- 
ments in the way of my entering into what 
they considered an injudicious enterprize; 
but I had already committed myself; the 
drafts were for an interest actually purchased 
in the concern, and the dishonouring the drafts 
only prevents my fulfilling my engagements 
punctually, and obliges me to do it by hook 
& by crook, and at some loss. I have how- 
ever written to them on the subject. I was 

actuated merely by a wish to see Peter 

352 



PARIS, MARCH loili 1821 



embarked in something that might turn out 
advantageous and as he seems fully persuaded 
that the steamboat project will do so I will 
leave the whole share that I have taken in it 
to him. I have not turned my mind much to 
the subject, but have left him to investigate 
and manage it. I hope it may open the way 
to something profitable for him. 

You must not take amiss any little peevish- 
ness on the part of my Brothers: they have 
been so much worried and disheartened by the 
troubles of the world for some years past, that 
any new perplexity may fret them — you 
know them well, and know how worthy they 
are in head & mind, and how truly they esteem 
you; excuse therefore any little impatience 
they may evince in my affairs; which I am 
afraid give them a great deal of anxiety and 
trouble from the very affection which they 
bear me. 

You urge me to return to New York — and 
say many ask whether I mean to renounce my 

VOL. I.— 23. 353 



PARIS, MARCH loth 182 1 



country? For this last question I have no 
reply to make — and yet I will make a reply — 
as far as my precarious and imperfect abilities 
enable me, I am endeavouring to serve my 
country. Whatever I have written has been 
written with the feelings and published as the 
writing of an American. Is that renouncing 
my country? How else am I to serve my 
country — by coming home and begging an 
office of it; which I should not have the kind 
of talent or the business habits requisite to 
fill? — If I can do any good in this world it is 
with my pen. — I feel that even with that I 
can do very little, but if I do that little, and 
do it as an American I think my exertions 
ought to guarantee me from so unkind a 
question as that which you say is generally 
made. 

As to coming home — I should at this mo- 
ment be abandoning my literary plans, such 
as they are. I should lose my labour on 

various literary materials which I have in 

354 



PARIS, MARCH loih 1821 



hand, and to work up which I must be among 
the scenes where they were conceived. I 
should arrive at home at a time when my 
slender finances require an immediate exercise 
of my talents, but should be so agitated & 
discomposed in my feelings, by the meetings 
with my friends — the revival of many distress- 
ing circtimstances & trains of thought — and 
I should be so hurried by the mere attentions 
of society that months would elapse before I 
could take pen in hand & then I would have 
to strike out some entirely new plan & begin 
ab ovo. As to the idea you hold out of being 
provided for sooner or later in our fortunate 
city — I can only say that I see no way in 
which I could be provided for, not being a 
man of business, a man of Science, or in fact 
any thing but a mere belles lettres writer. 
And as to the fortunate character of our city — 
to me and mine it has been a very disastrous 
one. I have written on this point at some 

length as I wish to have done with it. My 

355 



PARIS, MARCH lotk 1821 



return home must depend upon circumstances, 

not upon inclinations. I have, by patient & 

persevering labour of my most uncertain pen, 

& by catching the gleams of sunshine in my 

cloudy mind, managed to open to myself an 

avenue to some degree of profit & reputation. 

I value it the more highly because it is entirely 

independent and self created; and I must use 

my best endeavours to turn it to account. 

In remaining therefore abroad, I do it with 

the idea that I can best exert my talents, for 

the present, where I am, and that, I trust, 

will be admitted as a sufficient reply, from a 

man who has but his talents to feed & clothe 

him. 

I have not been able to call on L'Herbette — 

the fact is, I am harassed by company & 

engagements which it is impossible to avoid & 

which take up more of my time than I like 

to spare; as well as dissipating my thoughts. 

I shall be obliged to quit Paris on that very 

account though I intend to see L'Herbette 

356 



PARIS, MARCH lo^h 1821 



before I leave there. I have become very 
intimate with Anacreon Moore, who is living 
here with his family — scarce a day passes 
without our seeing each other and he has made 
me acquainted with many of his friends here. 
He is a charming joyous fellow — full of frank, 
generous, manly feeling. I am happy to say 
he expresses himself in the fullest and strongest 
manner on the subject of his writings on 
America; which he pronounces the great sin 
of his early life. He is busy upon the life of 
Sheridan, & upon a poem. His acquaintance 
is one of the most gratifying things I have 
met with for some time ; as he takes the warm 
interest of an old friend in me & my concerns. 

Canning is likewise here with his family and 
has been very polite in his attentions to me. 
He has expressed a very flattering opinion of 
my writings both here and in England; and 
his opinion is of great weight & value in the 
critical world. I had a very agreeable dinner 

at his house a few days since, at which I met 

357 



PARIS, MARCH lo^h 1821 



Moore, Sir Sydney Smith & several other 
interesting characters. 

You mention Jack Nicholson being ap- 
pointed to the Franklin 74. I presiime it is as 
Flag Captain. Does he still wear that queer 
cockade like a star fish in front of his hat! 
How I should delight to see the honest round 
little rogue again, and shake his little bare 
hand. 

I have neglected to get the music you re- 
quest, and am ashamed of myself for so doing, 
but I will get it & send it by the first oppor- 
tunity. 

My letter is called for & I must conclude — 
remember me sincerely to Mrs. Brevoort & 
to the rest of your family connexions & be- 
lieve me my dear Brevoort 

Ever afiectionatel}^ yours 
W. I. 

P. S. I understand that you have completely 

withdrawn from business. Why don't you 

358 



PARIS, MARCH lo^h 1821 



undertake some work — an historical work — 
a tract of Am: history — something to occupy 
your time & mind & keep off ennui? You 
ought to make yourself an active member of 
all the public institutions of our city — situated 
as you are, with your abilities & advantages 
it is your duty — and it would be a source of 
reputation and enjoyment to you. I have 
repeatedly intended to write to you at some 
length on this subject, — you are indolent & 
diffident & would find the first outset difficult 
— but many steps would lessen the difficulty 
until it became mere pleasure. 



359 



PARIS, APRIL 5th 1821 



Paris, April 5- 182 1. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I am extremely sorry to be again under the 
necessity of tasking your friendship in money 
matters. I have drawn on you this day at 
sixty days sight, in favour of Ezra Weeks 
Esq. — for one thousand dollars. It is to 
provide for one of the bills which my brothers 
dishonoured & which must come back in a 
few days. It would be useless to draw on my 
Brothers again, as they do not seem to con- 
sider it a matter of any moment or delicacy to 
refuse my draft; you I am confident will think 
otherwise. They have acted as they thought 
for my interest, & were no doubt persuaded 
that by refusing my drafts they would prevent 
my engaging in what they thought an in- 
judicious enterprise. They should have known 
that it was too late — that I was committed — 
and that to refuse my drafts was to oblige 
me to take them up as well as I could, in a 

strange country, and to pay damages into the 

360 



PARIS, APRIL 5th 1821 



bargain. But enough of this — had I had any- 
other means of extricating myself from an irk- 
some predicament I would not have again in- 
truded on your kindness. I have tried to man- 
age the matter in other modes & have only met 
with disappointment and mortification. I de- 
termined therefore to draw again on you, who, 
I say it in fullness and sincerity of heart, have 
always acted like a true Brother to me. 

I have written by the Cadmus — via Havre, 
to my brother E. I. to replace in your hands 
the amount of this draft: he having ample 
means of mine in his hands for the purpose. 

At a moment of more leisure and pleasanter 
feelings I will reply to your very interesting 
letter of Jan^ 8th. At present I am out of 
tune. These money matters always play 
the mischief with me. 

Give my sincere regards to Mrs. Brevoort 

& believe me 

Most affectionately yours 

W. Irving. 
361 



PARIS, APRIL 5th 1 82 1 



Paris, April 5- 1821. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

It is with great regret that I am compelled 

by circumstances again to task your friendship 

in money matters. I have this day drawn on 

you at Sixty days sight, in favour of Mr. Ezra 

Weeks for one thousand dollars. It is to 

meet the return of one of my drafts which 

my Brothers dishonoured. To draw on them 

would be idle, notwithstanding that they 

might have funds of mine in their hands — 

they have shewn that they will not hesitate 

to refuse my drafts, whatever may be the 

situation in which their refusal may place me 

in a strange country. I am confident they 

do it out of a zeal for my interest ; but a man 

may be killed even by kindness. You I feel 

confident regard matters of this kind in 

another light than that of mere interest, and 

know how much a man's feelings & delicacy 

are involved in his engagements. I know 

therefore that in drawing on you my bills 

,362 



PARIS, APRIL 5th 1821 



will be properly honoured and that you will 
feel a punctilious scruple in protecting my 
credit. I shall write to my brothers to refund 
you the amount of the draft in due time. 

I should not, as you must be well convinced, 
have drawn this draft were I not fully satis- 
fied that you would not be kept out of the 
money. I hope and trust that I shall in a 
little time be able to drag myself out of these 
detestable pecuniary difficulties and these 
eternal cross purposes in money matters, which 
I have been troubled with for some years past 
& which play the very vengeance with me. 
It has been my doom to contend incessantly 
with chills & damps which destroy all the 
sunshine of my mind; I can scarce get my 
imagination in train and feel it warming up 
& expanding, but some cursed worldly care or 
sordid mercenary entanglement comes creep- 
ing on me and wraps me all in fog. Had my 
mind been free and my feelings unharassed by 

petty cross purposes, I think I should have 

363 



PARIS, APRIL 5th 1821 



done a great deal more & a great deal better 
than I have done — and should at this moment 
been free of all pecuniary difficulties. How- 
ever — it is not to be helped — every man has 
his difficulties & cares with which he must 
contend. 

I have rec- your letter of Jan^ 8th to which 
I will reply at more leisure — it is full of inter- 
esting matter. I must conclude this letter 
that it may be sent off to be in time for the 
Ship. 

Remember me very sincerely to Mrs. Bre- 
voort and believe me my Dear Brevoort with 
constant recollections 

Affectionately yours 
Washington Irving. 

Note: This letter is, of course, very similar 
to the preceding letter, and both were written on 
the same day. It was in those times not in- 
frequently the custom to send by different ships 

such duplicate missives; nor is this the only such 

364 



PARIS, APRIL 5th 1821 



instance in Irving s correspondence with Bre- 
voort. The other examples have bee^i omitted; 
but the variation in language in this pair of 
letters would seem interestingly to justify the 
inclusion of both. — The Editor. 



365 



PARIS, APRIL 14^^ 1821 



Paris, April 14- 182 1. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I wrote you a hasty line a few days since 
advising you of a draft which I had drawn on 
you on the 5th inst. for one thousand dollars, 
to provide for my first bill on William Irving, 
returned. I shall have to draw on you again 
in a few days for a like sum of 1000$ to pay 
my second bill on W. Irving which I expect 
back presently. In the advice of my draft 
of the 5th inst. I mentioned that I should 
write to E. I. to refund you the amount in due 
time. I did write to that effect — ^but I think 
I must now request you to remain in advance 
to me for some little time, for reasons which 
will be explained to you in the course of this 
letter. The simple state of the case is this. 

The amount for which I engaged last year 

in the Steamboat concern was 5000$. Of 

this I paid one thousand dolP for money due 

me in London, for the remaining I gave four 

bills on W. I. for 1000$ each — three of which 

366 



PARIS, APRIL 14th 1821 



were forwarded; the fourth remains in Mr. 
Beasley's hands. Of the three which were 
forwarded, one has already come back dis- 
honoured — to meet this I drew on you on the 
5th, another is shortly expected ; to meet that 
I shall have to draw on you in a few days — 
the third bill went out by the Syren and is 
payable in May. I trust that will be taken 
up by E. I. as he wrote in December last that 
he would be in the receipt of 1000$ in May 
from former sales of my works. There then 
remains one thousand dollars to be remitted 
to R. G. Beasley to make up the amount of my 
engagement. I trust E. I. will be able to 
furnish a part of that from other sales which 
he may have made since December. I wish 
you to make up any deficiency there may be, 
and remit the same to R. G. Beasley. You will 
then be in advance to me the amount of two 
Bills on you for 1000$ each, and such part of 
another 1000$ as E. I. may not be able to 

furnish. I trust I have made myself clearly 

367 



PARIS, APRIL 14th 1821 



understood — I wish you to see that the 4000$ 
is fully made up — I shall not draw on you 
any further than the two bills of looo^^ 
each, trusting that my third draft dated last 
year on Wm. Irving, will be honoured at 
maturity — or that at any rate you will take 
care that whatever may be deficient is re- 
mitted. 

I am asking this favour, my dear fellow, in 
very plain and direct terms, but in fact I 
depend on you to disembarrass me from these 
paltry difficulties which are teazing and 
perplexing me and doing me more than their 
pecuniary amount in positive injury. I ask 
this pecuniary assistance from you with 
confidence first because you have repeatedly 
given me the most gratifying tests of your 
readiness to befriend me in this way, — and 
secondly because I am certain you will not incur 
the loss of a farthing by it. The first reason 
is due to you & the generous affectionate 

interest you have ever taken in my concerns — 

368 



PARIS, APRIL 14th 1 82 1 



the second is due to myself for if I did not feel 
the certainty of being able to reimburse I 
must come to bread & water & sleep on a 
board before I would ask pecuniary favours 
from anyone. 

I have said that it is likely you may be some 
little time in advance of such part of the 
4000$ as you may furnish ; as literary property 
is not immediately available. I do not how- 
ever depend solely on the proceeds of the 
property in my brother's hands to reimburse 
you. I have a mass of writings by me, 
which, so soon as I can bring them into form 
and prepare them for publication, will I trust 
produce me something very handsome in cash 
down in England; besides augmenting my 
copy right property in America. I do not 
speak thus from any conceit of the writings 
themselves, but from a mere knowledge of 
literary trade. The success of the Sketch 
Book in England has been far beyond my 

most sanguine expectations & any book I 
VOL. I.— 24. 369 



PARIS, APRIL 14th 1821 



should now offer for sale, good or bad, would be 
sure to find a ready purchaser at a high price 
among the Booksellers. As I am anxious 
however to get reputation rather than money, 
I do not wish to hurry into print & it will take 
me some time yet to arrange and complete 
the writings I have in hand. I do not wish 
this circumstance to be mentioned to any 
one — as I never like to have anticipations of 
my literary appearances; I merely tell it to 
you; to show you the grounds on which I feel 
justified in asking your pecuniary aid. I 
trust my next work will fairly relieve me 
from all further embarrassment of the kind — 
and I shall thenceforth be able to keep ahead 
of my resources. 

I am particular in wishing you to make 
these advances because my brother Peter 
has renewed his request to John T. Irving 
for a loan; and I do not wish his request to 
be interfered with; by any necessity for J. 

T. I. or any other of my connexions to advance 

370 



PARIS, APRIL 14th 1821 



money on my account. Peter is more anxious 
than ever to secure an interest in the Steam- 
boat concern, & I am very solicitous that he 
should have every facility. A situation in 
the concern is open to him by which he will 
be able with strict economy to clear his 
support, independent of the profits that may 
arise from his share in the property, and there 
is every prospect of the business being lucra- 
tive. To give plain demonstration that this 
is not merely chimerical I enclose you a 
statement of the receipt, & expenditures of 
the Steamboat since its establishment as a 
passage boat between Havre & Honfleur. 
It has had every possible disadvantage to 
contend with; having to establish its char- 
acter; overcome the prejudices of the public, 
contend with long established packetboats; 
to run at high wages & expenses which it 
took some time to systematize & reduce, — & 
the whole experiment has been made during 

the winter months and the early part of an 

371 



PARIS, APRIL 14th 1821 



uncommonly inclement & stormy sprnig, 
during which season there is comparatively 
but little travelling. In spite of all these 
things it has to my great surprise made 
money — for it was calculated that there 
would certainly be a pecuniary loss, & the 
only gain would be experience & an estab- 
lished reputation. The fine season is now 
commencing when the travelling is very 
great; and at times (from the frequency of 
fairs on both sides of the Seine) immense. It 
is a matter of course therefore that the profits 
must increase in proportion. A new boat, 
adapted to the navigation of the river is also 
about to run between Havre & Rouen, through 
a country full of population & studded with 
popular little towns. I think the anticipa- 
tions of profit from such a navigation are 
perfectly reasonable. 

Peter has given the whole concern the 
most scrupulous examination and is con- 
vinced that it holds out a prospect of advan- 

372 



PARIS, APRIL i4ih 1821 



tage and ultimate independence to him; 
which it would be difficult to find at present 
in any other quarter. I trust my Brothers 
will not rashly a second time decide from 
their presumptions in opposition to his in- 
vestigations and shrink back from rendering 
such temporary aid as may place him in a 
path to comfortable & creditable independence 
for the rest of his days. I do not question 
for a moment their disposition to do every 
thing to promote both our interests; I should 
feel outraged by such a suggestion; but they 
have grown morbid & timid in money matters, 
from past misfortunes & they are apt to 
hesitate & doubt, and talk together & do 
nothing: and by doing nothing, play the very 
vengeance with those who rely on their active 
assistance. You hinted in one of your former 
letters about being hurt by some observations 
of my Brothers, in the course of your conversa- 
tions with them on the subject of my affairs. I 

am at a loss to think what cause they could 

373 



PARIS, APRIL H^Ji 1821 



find for any captious observation, in the kind 
& affectionate zeal you have manifested in my 
poor & paltry concerns. I should be loth to 
subject you to any thing further of the kind; 
but bear with them my dear Brevoort for my 
sake; and be assured they are only actuated 
by brotherly anxiety for my interests ; which 
unluckily they have a little marred by their 
very anxiety. — So much for these "weary" 
money matters. 

I have now been about eight months in 
Paris, living an odd sort of life — shut up in 
my room a great part of my time and seeing 
scarcely any thing of French society — cir- 
cumstances having thrown me almost entirely 
among the Americans & the EngHsh. In fact 
the anxiety I have to do something more in 
literature, the petty involvements of myself 
& friends, and the wish to put an end to them 
also, have so agitated & perplexed my mind, 
that I have neither been able to enjoy society 
fully, nor to profit by leisure & abstraction. 

374 



PARIS, APRIL 14^12 1 82 1 



I have advances made me by society, that 
were I a mere seeker of society, would be 
invaluable; but I dread so much being put 
out in my pursuits & distracted by the mere 
hurry of fashionable engagements, that I keep 
aloof, and neglect opportunities which I may 
perhaps at some future day look back to with 
regret. When I have launched another work 
and a successful one, I trust I shall feel more 
completely at ease both in mind & circum- 
stances. One of my greatest sources of 
gratification here is the intimacy of Moore, 
the poet, whom I see almost every day, and 
who is one of the worthiest and most delightful 
fellows I have ever known. 

Mr. Astor has been passing the winter here 
with his son and daughter. The former is in 
very bad health, and seems in a state of 
mental stupor. His situation causes great 
anxiety & distress to his father & sister; and 
there appears but little prospect of his recov- 
ery. Miss Astor is quite a clever, agreeable 

375 



PARIS, APRIL i4tJi 1821 



girl. I have been quite gratified by meeting 
again with Mr. Astor's nephew George 
Ehninger whom I had not seen for several 
years. He has given me a world of anecdote 
about New York, and particularly about 
yourself. He will be in New York again 
almost as soon as this letter. 

You have given me much interesting in- 
formation in your last; which unluckily I 
cannot lay my hand on — to reply to. I am 
heartily glad that James Renwick is snugly 
nestled in the old College, which is a safe 
harbour of life: and a very comfortable & 
honourable one. The other appointments 
contemplated will be of great service to the 
College & to the literary character of the 
state. Verplanck is just where he should be 
& I hope he will cut politicks and devote 
himself to his pen, which will make a greater 
man of him than the highest political prefer- 
ment to which he could fight & scramble. 

I am delighted with the North American 
376 



PARIS, APRIL 14th 1821 



Review : it is the best work of the kind we have 
ever had, and will be an interesting work 
to Europeans; as it is divested of national 
hostilities & political prejudices. 

Your account of Kean's success is very- 
interesting and I was amazed with the odd 
assemblage at John R's festival; Kean is a 
strange compound of merits & defects — his 
excellence consists in sudden & brilliant 
touches — in vivid exhibitions of passion & 
emotion. I do not think him a discriminating 
actor; or critical either at understanding or 
delineating character — but he produces effects 
which no other actor does. He has completely 
bothered the multitude ; and is praised without 
being understood. I have seen him guilty 
of the grossest & coarsest pieces of false acting, 
and most "tyrannically clapped" withal; 
while some of his most exquisite touches 
passed imnoticed. 

I must bring this letter to a close, that it 
may be in time. Give my sincere regards to 

277 



PARIS, APRIL 14th 1821 



Mrs. Brevoort, and my hearty remembrances 
to your father & mother and the rest of 
your family connexion, and believe me my 
dear Brevoort, 

Ever yours affectionately 

W. Irving. 
P.S. I am uncertain about my continuance 
in Paris, and not having fixed exactly on my 
summer residence I wish you to direct to me 
after the receipt of this, care of Henry Van 
Wart Esq. Birmingham. 



i 



378 



PARIS, APRIL 2iLt 1821 



Paris, April 21- 182 1. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I wrote to you lately at considerable length, 
explaining my reasons for drawing on you 
for one thousand Dollars on the 5th inst. and 
telling you that I should draw for a like sum 
in a few days. I have this day drawn a second 
bill of Exchange on you for 1000$ — it is in 
favour of Sami Williams Esq. of London, and 
is at thirty days sight. I had intended to 
have drawn at sixty days; but had neglected 
to specify that date in a letter which I wrote 
to Charles Williams requesting to know 
whether their house would cash a draft for 
1000$ on you: and in reply he gave me per- 
mission to draw on them & sent me a form 
of a draft on you; supposing I did not know 
the exact sum. It was at thirty days sight — 
so I thought best to sign the form they sent me ; 
and I hope the shortness of the time will not 
put you to inconvenience. 

I shall not draw on you any more. I trust 
379 



PARIS, APRIL 2i?_t 1821 



the third draft which I drew on my Brothers 
last year will be taken up by my brother E. I. 
as he will have cash of mine to more than the 
amount in his hands, when it comes to matu- 
rity. I have however explained myself fully 
on these points in a former letter. I trust 
I shall not have to trouble you any more in 
this way; and I should not now have done 
so but I did not know how else to extricate 
myself from a pecuniary entanglement, which 
has occasioned me loss of time, loss of money 
& loss of spirits. 

Peter has set off this morning for Havre 
to attend to the Steamboat concern. He 
seems very confident of its becoming a lucra- 
tive enterprise & he is by no means a sanguine 
man at present. I hope to God it may: and 
that he may be enabled once more to get his 
head above water. 

I have mentioned in my former letter that 

I wished you to remain in advance of the two 

thousand dollars; and if necessary to assist 

380 



PARIS, APRIL 2iit 1821 



my brother E. I. in making up a remittance 
of a thousand dollars, to be sent to Mr. 
Beasley to take up a fourth bill which he did 
not send for collection last year. I do not 
want my brothers to advance money on 
account of my engagement in the concern, 
lest it should prevent their complying with 
Peter's request, lately renewed, that they 
would make him a loan. I expect the proceeds 
from my literary property in E. I. hands will 
soon be sufficient to reimburse you — but if 
not, I have some MSS. which as soon as I can 
prepare for publication will put me in cash 
from their sale in London, to make up what- 
ever may be deficient. It may take me some- 
time however to complete & to arrange what 
I am about, my writing moods are so irregular 
& uncertain & I am so liable to be put out by 
circumstances. I do not wish it to be known 
that I have any thing positively in preparation, 
as I do not like to awaken any expectations. 

I shall write to you shortly — a good sociable 

381 



PARIS, APRIL 21^1 1821 



hearty letter; without any of these cursed 
money matters in it which always wither me, 
soul & body, when I have to meddle with 
them. Remember me sincerely to Mrs. 
Brevoort, & believe me 

Yours ever affectionately 

W.I. u 

t 



4 



382 



PARIS, MAY 15th 1 82 1 



Paris, May if- 1821. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I send you a parcel of music for the Harp, 
which I hope may please Mrs. Brevoort. It 
was selected by a French lady who plays 
admirably on that instrument. She says the 
music &c is simple, and good, and by some of 
the best composers. 

I wrote a long letter to you a short time 
since, and have not at this moment any thing 
very particular to add, especially as I have to 
dispatch this letter in a few moments by Mr. 
Ehninger who is on his way to Havre. I am 
looking impatiently for the arrival of Wm. 
Gracie, who will be able to give me a world 
of news about my friends in New York. I see 
that the Eitiphenia has arrived at Antwerp 
and Gracie must be by this time in Paris. 
I hope the dispatches he brings to Mr. Gallatin 
will be such as to produce a satisfactory ar- 
rangement between the two countries. 

Mr. Ehninger is waiting for my letters and 

383 



PARIS, MAY 15th 1 82 1 



I have yet to write one to Peter who is at 
Havre. 

Give my best regards to Mrs. Brevoort and 
believe me 

Yours affectionately 
Washington Irving. 



I 



384 



LONDON, JUNE ii^h 1822 



London, June 11- 1822. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT : — 

It is a long time since I have heard from 
you. Your visits to Charleston seem always 
to interrupt our correspondence. For my 
part, between ill health; hard scribbling to 
make up for lost time and get another work 
into the press; and the many engagements 
and interruptions that consume my time and 
distract my mind since my return to England, 
I find it impossible to keep up punctual 
correspondences, & am now overwhelmed with 
epistolary debts. About three weeks since 
I launched a new work which you have doubt- 
less seen long since in America. The English 
edition has many alterations & additions, as I 
got into better health & spirits after I sent 
my Mss. to America, and was enabled to 
improve the work while printing. It seems to 
give satisfaction here, and I am nearly killed 
with kindness, for I have not a moment to 
myself and am so fatigued with company and 

VOL. I.-25. 385 



LONDON, JUNE iitli 1822 



dinners & evening parties, that I find it 
impossible to regain a perfect state of health 
but am still troubled with lameness & inflam- 
mation in the ancles, the lingering of my 
tedious malady. I shall however, soon leave 
this scene of bustle & dissipation & go to a 
watering place on the continent (Aix la Cha- 
pelle) where I hope thoroughly to reinstate 
my health. Within these two months past 
I have given myself up to society more than 
I have at any time since I have been in Europe, 
having for the last four or five years been very 
much shut up & at home. I was determined 
this spring to give myself a holiday & make 
use of the opportunity presented me of seeing 
fashionable life. I have done this to a con- 
siderable degree, though I have suffered much 
draw back on account of the indifferent state 
of my health. 

The success of my writings has given me 
ready access to all kinds of society — and I 

have been the round of routs, dinners, operas, 

386 



LONDON, JUNE ii^h 1822 



balls & blue stocking coteries. I have been 
much pleased with those parties in which 
rank & fashion and talent are blended: and 
where you find the most distinguished people 
of the day in various departments of literature, 
art & science brought into familiar communion 
with leading statesmen and ancient nobility. 
By the bye I had many inquiries made after 
you by Sir James Mackintosh, who retains 
a most friendly recollection of you. 

John Randolph is here and has attracted 
much attention. He has been sought after by 
people of the first distinction. I have met him 
repeatedly in company and his excentricity of 
appearance & manners makes him the more 
current and interesting. For in high life here, 
they are always eager after everything strange 
and peculiar. There is a vast deal too of the 
old school in Randolph's manners, the turn 
of his thoughts and the style of his conversa- 
tion which seems to please very much. Young 

Hammond was also much liked here and I 

3^7 



LONDON, JUNE ii^h 1822 



only regretted that he did not stay a little 

longer. He is one of the best bred young 

men that I have met with from our country, 

and one who I think will be distinguished in 

the society of New York for good manners & 

good sense. There seems a strong disposition 

to be pleased with any thing American just 

now, among the better classes in England; 

and a great curiosity awakened respecting 

our literature &c. Among other interesting 

acquaintances that I have made is Mrs. 

Siddons. She is now near seventy and yet 

a magnificent looking woman. It is surprising 

how little time has been able to impair the 

dignity of her carriage or the noble expression 

of her countenance. I heard her read the part 

of Constance at her own house one evening; 

and I think it the greatest dramatic treat I 

have had for a long time past. 

I shall leave this letter open, that I may add 

some thing more before I send it off. I have 

many to write to and must portion the brief 

388 



LONDON, JUNE iiih 1822 



time I have, among several letters. I have 
written to my brother E. I. to settle the 
balance I am owing to you; though the debt 
of gratitude & affection that I owe you for 
all your kindness & friendship I can never 
repay; and indeed I feel a gratification in 
being in this respect your debtor. I hope you 
will keep a friendly eye upon my brother E. I. 
who, poor fellow, has again to toil his way up 
hill in life, with a family to weigh him down. 
Do him all the kind offices in your power & 
believe me I shall ever feel them more sensibly 
than if they were done to myself. I shall leave 
London in two or three weeks for the continent 
& so soon as I have reinstated my health I shall 
make a hasty tour, that I have been con- 
templating for several years past. When that 
is accomplished, I shall have one grand ob- 
stacle removed to my return home ; and will 
endeavour to arrange my concerns so as once 
more to see my native land which is daily 
becoming dearer & dearer to my imagination, 

389 



LONDON, JUNE ii^h 1822 



as the lapse of time gives it all the charms of 
distance. 

June 30- . I had thought to have been off to 
the continent before this; but yet here I am. 
However I am resolved to go in the course 
of a week. I have made so many very interest- 
ing and agreeable acquaintances of late that I 
find it hard to get away from them. Indeed I 
have got on sociable terms with most of the 
men of letters & the leading artists of the day, 
that are in London and am continually meeting 
with curious & entertaining characters. A 
few days since I was made acquainted with 
old Lady Jones, widow of Sir William Jones. 
I had no idea of her being yet alive. She is 
lively & cheerful & in full possession of her 
faculties & animal spirits. She is the daughter 
of the Bishop of S 'Asaph who voted against 
the American War. She remembers Dr. 
Franklin who was a friend of her father's; 

and relates two or three anecdotes of him. 

390 



LONDON, JUNE nth 1822 



She has always been a very strong friend of 
America. 

I lately passed a few days at the Country 
seat of Mr. Thomas Hope, author of Anasta- 
sius. You have read his work I presume; 
which I think one of the most extraordinary 
productions of the day. He is an extremely 
interesting man, somewhat shy and reserved 
to strangers but full of knowledge & talent 
and most amiable in his manners, when you 
become acquainted with him. He has written 
a vast deal, that he has never published; 
and is now busy upon Metaphysical work. He 
has voluminous travels in manuscript, and is 
a masterly draughtsman. It is a thousand 
pities that he cannot be persuaded to publish 
more. His travels must be full of interesting 
incidents and observations. 

Rogers the poet returned not long since 
from the continent and I breakfast occasion- 
ally with him & met Crabbe and others of 

his literary friends. He has one of the 

391 



LONDON, JUNE ii^h 1822 



completest and most elegant little Bachelor 
establishments that I have ever seen. It is 
as neat and elegant, and finished, and small 
as his own principal poem. 

July I-. I have scrawled this letter at 
intervals ; for I have many to write to, & am so 
distracted by engagements and occupied by 
making preparations to go to the continent, 
that I have hardly a moment of leisure time 
or quiet thought. Matthews the comedian 
is coming out to make a tour in America, 
which I have no doubt will be a successful 
one. His powers of entertainment are wonder- 
ful. By his talents at imitation he, in manner, 
raises the dead and makes them walk & talk 
for your amusement; for his specimens of 
Zali Wilkinson, Macklin, Wilkes &c &c are 
among the best of his imitations. He is a 
very correct, gentlemanlike man in private 
life and at times the life of a dinner table by 

his specimens of characters of the day. I 

392 



LONDON, JUNE iilli 1822 



shall give him letters to America & among 
others to yourself. 

I have written a letter to that honest tar 
Jack Nicholson & am ashamed that I have not 
done so before — but really I have no time 
to write often, and find myself more and more 
getting into habits of procrastination. 

I wish you would make interest, through 
James Renwick to get the College to employ 
John Miller, Bookseller, Fleet Street, as a 
literary agent in London. He is a most 
deserving & meritorious little man — indefatig- 
able in the discharge of any commission en- 
trusted to him: and moderate & conscientious 
in his charges. He devotes himself almost 
exclusively to American business. I would 
strongly recommend him to yourself should 
you at any time want books from London. 
He could hunt up any rare works; and I 
believe you would save money by employing 
him. 

Give my sincere regards to Mrs. Brevoort 
393 



LONDON, JUNE iiili 1822 



and remember me affectionately to the Ren- 
wicks and to your father's family. 
I am dear Brevoort 

Ever most truly yours 
Washington Irving. 



394 



PARIS, DECEMBER iii^ 1824 

Paris, Rue Richelieu, No. 8g 
L ec. II- 1824. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I have suffered an enormous time to elapse 
without writing to you; but I cannot help it. 
I seem no longer master of myself and my 
leisure. I have been toiling lately to make 
up arrears in letter writing but it seems as if 
the debt grows as fast as I strive to diminish it. 

Lynch has given me many particulars about 

you — but seems in doubt whether or no you 

intend putting in effect your projected visit 

to Europe. I have been flattering myself 

with the hope that I was to see you here next 

Spring — have you abandoned the intention? 

It needs but one resolute effort to heave the 

anchor and set sail. When once under way 

you would find no difficulty; and when here 

you might live according to your taste & 

convenience and at a cheaper rate than in 

New York, besides having superior advantages 

in educating your children. 

395 



PARIS, DECEMBER ii^Ji 1824 

Lynch seems quite in raptures with the 
wonders that are breaking upon him. He is 
just the man to visit a capital like Paris: 
having had his tastes previously instructed 
and prepared to relish the delicacies placed 
before him. I cannot tell you what pleasure 
I have received from long chats with Lynch 
about old times & old associates. His ani- 
mated and descriptive manner has put all 
New York before me and made me long to be 
once more there. I do not know whether it 
be the force of early impressions & associa- 
tions, or whether it be really well founded, 
but there is a charm about that little spot 
of earth, that beautiful city and its environs, 
that has a perfect spell over my imagination. 
The bay; the rivers & their wild & woody 
shores; the haunts of my boyhood, both on 
land and water, absolutely have a witchery 
over my mind. I thank God for my having 
been born in so beautiful a place among such 

beautiful scenery. I am convinced I owe a 

396 



PARIS, DECEMBER iiih 1824 

vast deal of what is good and pleasant in my 
nature to the circumstance. 

I feel continually indebted to your kindness 
for the interest you have taken in my affairs 
and in the success of my works in America. 
I begin to feel extremely anxious to secure a 
little income from my literary property; that 
shall put me beyond the danger of recurring 
penury; and shall render me independent of 
the necessity of laboring for the press. I 
should like to write occasionally for my 
amusement, and to have the power of throwing 
my writings either into my portfolio, or into 
the fire. I enjoy the first conception and 
first sketchings drawn of my ideas; but the 
correcting and preparing them for the press 
is unknown labour, and publishing is detestable. 

My last work has a good run in England, 

and has been extremely well spoken of by 

some of the worthies of literature, though it has 

met with some handling from the press. The 

fact is I have kept myself so aloof from all 

397 



PARIS, DECEMBER ii^i 1824 

clan ship in literature, that I have no allies 

among the scribblers for the periodical press; 

and some of them have taken a pique against 

me for having treated them a little cavalierly 

in my writings. However, as I do not read 

criticisms good or bad, I am out of the reach 

of attack. If my writings are worth any 

thing they will out live temporary criticism; 

if not they are not worth caring about. 

Some parts of my last work were written 

rather hastily. Yet I am convinced that a 

great part of it was written in a freer and j 

happier vein than almost any of my former j 

writings. There was more of an artist like 

touch about it — though this is not a thing to 

be appreciated by the many. I fancy much 

of what I value myself upon in writing, escapes 

the observation of the great mass of my 

readers: who are intent more upon the story 

than the way in which it is told. For my 

part I consider a story merely as a frame on 

which to stretch my materials. It is the play 

398 



PARIS, DECEMBER ii^Ji 1824 

of thought, and sentiment and language; the 
weaving in of characters, Hghtly yet expres- 
sively delineated; the familiar and faithful 
exhibition of scenes in common life; and the 
half concealed vein of humour that is often 
playing through the whole — these are among 
what I aim at, and upon which I felicitate 
myself in proportion as I think I succeed. I 
have preferred adopting a mode of sketches 
& short tales rather than long works, because 
I chose to take a line of writing peculiar to 
myself; rather than fall into the manner or 
school of any other writer: and there is a 
constant activity of thought and a nicety of 
execution required in writings of the kind, 
more than the world appears to imagine. It 
is comparatively easy to swell a story to any 
size when you have once the scheme & the 
characters in your mind; the mere interest 
of the story too carries the reader on through 
pages & pages of careless writing and the 

author may often be dull for half a volume 

399 



PARIS, DECEMBER iit^ 1824 

at a time, if he has some striking scene at the 
end of it, but in these shorter writings every 
page must have its merit. The author must 
be continually piquant — woe to him if he 
makes an awkward sentence or writes a stupid 
page: the critics are sure to pounce upon it. 
Yet if he succeed : the very variety & piquancy 
of his writings; nay their very brevity; makes 
them frequently recurred to — and when the 
mere interest of the story is exhausted, he 
begins to get credit for his touches of pathos 
or humour; his points of wit or turns of 
language. I give these as some of the reasons 
that have induced me to keep on thus far in the 
way I had opened for myself — ^because I find 
by recent letters from E. I. that you are join- 
ing in the oft repeated advice that I should 
write a novel. I believe the works I have 
written will be oftener re-read than any novel 
of the size that I could have written. It is 
true other writers have crowded into the same 

branch of literature, and I now begin to find 

400 



PARIS, DECEMBER nth 1824 

myself elbowed by men who have followed 
my footsteps; but at any rate I have had the 
merit of adopting a line for myself instead of 
following others. 

Dec. 21. This letter has been lying by me for 
several days, & I have been so much occupied 
by other matters, as to be unable to finish it. 
I must now make an end of it abruptly & 
send it off or I shall be too late for the packet. 
When I left America, I left among your books 
a copy of Bayle's Dictionary, Burton's Anat- 
omy of Melancholy & two or three other 
books of the kind — if they are still by you I 
wish you would give them in my name to 
Pierre Irving, my brother Ebenezer's eldest 
son, as I find he has something of a literary 
taste & I fancy cannot afford to purchase 
books — they may be very acceptable to him. 
Do write to me soon & let me know if there is 
a chance of yoiu- coming out here in the Spring. 
I should regulate my own plans accordingly. 

VOL. I. 26. 401 



PARIS, DECEMBER nth 1824 

Give my sincere regards to your wife, your 
good old parents and the rest of your con- 
nexions and believe me dear Brevoort, 

Yours ever affectionately 

W. I. I 



402 



PARIS, MAY 29*11 1825 



Paris, May 2g'-^ 1825. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT : — 

I have great pleasure in introducing to you 
my friend Mr. Edward St. Aubyn, who is 
about to make a tour of curiosity in our 
country. He is a young English gentleman 
of family, and one whose amiable character 
& manners will be sufficient to secure him a 
kind reception from our countrymen. I beg 
you will do everything in your power to render 
his visit to America satisfactory & agreeable. 
He is accompanied in his tour by Mr. Hallam, 
whom I have not the pleasure to know, but 
for whom I would likewise bespeak a hospit- 
able reception. He is a gentleman of birth, 
culture & education. I am happy to find 
travellers of this kind turning their attention 
to our country. 

Yours ever 

Washington Irving. 



403 



PARIS, MAY 30th 1825 



Paris, May jo- 1825, 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

By the same packet which brings this letter 
will arrive two English gentlemen to whom 
I have given letters of introduction to you & 
others of my friends — one of them is Mr. 
Edward St. Aubyn, a very amiable young 
man of one of the most ancient respectable, 
& wealthy families of Cornwall. His father 
Sir John St. Aubyn, Bart, is one of the very 
few that are left of the classical old English 
gentlemen of Addison's day. He is at present 
at Paris with his family and I only regret that 
I did not know him at an earlier date for he 
is a perfect study, a model of the primitive 
courteous old gentlemen — full of worth and 
of the most amiable manners. The young 
gentleman I have introduced to you is his 
youngest son. 

The other gentleman is a Mr. Hallam, 

whom I have not the pleasure to know but 

of whom I hear the most favourable character. 

404 



PARIS, MAY 3otJi 1825 



He is a fellow of Oxford, well educated of 
course, well bred, of good family and has 
lately come into a large fortune. I wish you 
would introduce these gentlemen to such of 
our towns folk as would be likely to render 
their stay agreeable and procure them letters 
for other parts of the Union. 

I have long been looking for a letter from 
you — why don't you write to me? I had 
hoped before this to have seen you in France 
but you have not replied to my letter enquiring 
when you thought of coming. Lynch has 
been here through the Winter & Spring and 
has gone to Rheims to the Coronation. I had 
a ticket for the Cathedral at Rheims, but as I 
have lost all interest in Spectacles of the kind 
I gave it to Richard Kemble. Lynch has 
been in paradise as to music and at the same 
time has made arrangements in business which 
I expect will make his future. 

I write this letter at the last moment, just 

to back the letter of introduction which I have 

41^5 



PARIS, MAY 30th 1825 



been writing: when I have more leisure I will 
write you a letter of friendly chat, without 
waiting for your reply to my former one, 
though I regret we have still to be talking 
across the Atlantic instead of being cosily 
toe to toe in Paris. 

Do let me hear from you, even if it is but a 
dozen lines. Tell me what you are doing — • 
what you are planning — whether you really 
intend coming to Europe or remaining en- 
tirely in America — only write & do not let 
me feel from your long silence as if you had 
forgotten me. 

Give my sincere remembrances to your 
father and mother and tell Mrs. Brevoort 
that though we have never met I still hold 
her as a near friend. 

I am my dear Brevoort 

Ever affectionately yours 
Washington Irving. 



406 



MADRID, APRIL 4th 1827 



Madrid, April 4^h 1827. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT : — 

Your letter of the i January was one of the 
most acceptable that I ever received and I can 
hardly regret that what I owned in my letter 
to my Brother should have wounded your 
feelings since it drew forth so explicit and 
satisfactory an expression of what those feel- 
ings were towards me. You must however 
excuse the strength of my language if it was 
really so harsh as you described it. Had I 
felt less friendship for you I should have 
expressed myself more smoothly but I spoke 
from feelings deeply grieved by your apparent 
neglect. The letter you sent to me to the 
care of Mr. Welles never reached me, and for 
upwards of two years I had no reply to the 
letters and messages which I sent you. I was 
unconscious of having given you any cause 
of offence, yet could not tell how otherwise to 
account for such absolute and apparently 

determined silence. Various circumstances 

407 



MADRID, APRIL ^^^ 1827 



had contributed to render my mind morbid 
and susceptible on this point; and I must 
confess that for a time I gave too much 
consequence to the attacks I had seen upon 
myself in the press and to anonymous letters 
which I received from some malevolent person 
seeking to persuade me that I was in a manner 
cast off by my countrymen. I am conscious 
that my long absence from home has sub- 
jected me to unfavourable representation, 
and has been used to my disadvantage. A 
man, however, must have firmness enough 
to pursue his plans when justified by his own 
conscience, without being diverted from them 
by the idle surmises and misconceptions of 
others. If my character and conduct are 
worth enquiring into they will ultimately be 
understood and appreciated according to their 
merits nor can any thing I could say or do 
in contradiction place them an iota above 
or below their real standard. With the 

world, therefore, let these matters take their 

408 



MADRID, APRIL 4^^ 1827 

course; I shall not court it nor rail at it; but 
with cherished friends like yourself my dear 
Brevoort the present feeling is all important 
to me. Do not let yourself be persuaded 
therefore that time or distance has estranged 
me in thought or feeling from my native 
country, my native places, or the friends of 
my youth. The fact is that the longer I 
remain from home the greater charm it has 
in my eyes and all the colouring that the 
imagination once gave to distant Europe 
now gathers about the scenes of my native 
country. I look forward to my return as to 
the only event of any desirable kind that may 
yet be in store for me. I do not know wheth- 
er it is the case with other wanderers, but 
with me, the various shifting scenes through 
which I passed in Europe, have pushed each 
other out of place successively and faded 
away from my mind, while the scenes & 
friends of my youth alone remain fixed in my 

memory and my affections with their original 

409 



MADRID, APRIL 4th 1827 



strength and freshness. Had circumstances 
gone with me as I at one time anticipated, I 
should before this have returned home but I 
have been disappointed, and delayed and 
disheartened. I have suffered my pen for a 
time to lie idle, distrusting both myself and 
the world. About eighteen months since I 
was aroused from a state of morbid apathy 
by the failure of Mr. Williams and the appre- 
hension that I should be involved in the dis- 
tresses of the times. I again took up my pen, 
though with a reluctant hand, but the exercise 
of it gradually brought me in a more healthful 
tone of spirits. Since my arrival in Spain 
(almost about fifteen months since) I have 
principally been employed on my Life of 
Columbus, in executing which I have studied 
and laboured with a patience and assiduity 
for which I shall never get the credit. I am 
now advancing towards the completion of my 
work. How it will please the public I cannot 

anticipate. I have lost confidence in the 

410 



MADRID, APRIL 4*^ 1827 



favourable disposition of my countrymen and 
look forward to cold scrutiny & stern criticism, 
and this is a line of writing in which I have not 
hitherto ascertained my own powers. Could 
I afford it, I should like to write and lay my 
writings aside when finished. There is an 
independent delight in study and in the crea- 
tive exercise of the pen; we live in a world of 
dreams, but publication lets in the noisy 
rabble of the world and there is an end to our 
dreaming. I wish you were here to assist me 
with your opinion as to my labours for I am 
full of diffidence. My brother Peter who 
looks over my Manuscript is too partial a 
judge; he approves of things which I find it 
necessary afterwards completely to correct 
and alter. 

Since my arrival in Spain I have been com- 
pletely immersed in old Spanish literature. 
My residence under the roof of Mr. Rich 
the American Consul has been particularly 

favourable to my pursuits; he is a diligent 

411 



MADRID, APRIL 4th 1827 



collector of rare works and has the most 
valuable works in print and manuscript of the 
Spanish writers. I do not know whether 
you have made yourself acquainted with the 
Spanish. It is a language you might soon 
acquire. I wish you would let me pick up 
a little collection of the best Spanish authors 
for you. A few hundred dollars would give 
you a choice collection. Two or three hun- 
dred would put you in possession of a tolerable 
one. Should you afterwards repent your 
bargain I would be glad, when in America, 
and with more money in my pocket than at 
present, to take it off your hands. 

I left Paris a considerable time before the 
arrival of Mr. Cooper and regret extremely 
that I missed him. I have a great desire to 
make his acquaintance for I am delighted 
with his novels; at least with those which I 
have read. His Mohegans which I am told 
is his best I have yet to read. His naval 

scenes and characters in the Pilot are admirable. 

412 



MADRID, APRIL 4^^ 1827 



I am fond of the sea and have seen a Httle of 
nautical life and am therefore more able to 
appreciate them. I have been charmed like- 
wise with what I have seen of the writings of 
Bryant and Halleck. Are you acquainted 
with them? I should like to know something 
about them personally — their vein of thinking 
is quite above that of ordinary men and ordi- 
nary poets and they are masters of the magic 
of poetical language. 

I have not heard for some time past from 
Paulding. His last letters were full of kind 
feeling and interesting anecdotes. I am glad 
to find that he is settled in the old homestead 
of the Kemble family; that scene of so many 
happy hours. As to his retired mode of life 
I fancy it is the happiest when a man has a 
family for his world, books at his elbow, and 
his pen as an amusement. I have not seen 
two or three of his late publications. All of 
those that I have met with bear his usual 

stamp of originality, his vein of curious and 

413 



MADRID, APRIL 4«i 1827 



beautiful thoughts, his turns of picturesque 
language, mingled with the faults that arise 
from hasty and negligent composition. Early 
habit and associations have given a charm to 
his writings in my eyes. I always find in 
them passages that strike on some chord of 
old remembrances. 

I have not heard from Jack Nicholson for 
nearly a year past. I hope to meet with that 
worthy and classical little tar when I visit 
the Mediterranean west of Spain. 

I was surprised last year to meet with a 

nephew, my brother William's son Pierre, 

travelling in Spain. He remained here but 

a short time. What I saw of him pleased 

me very much. By letters from him I find 

he will shortly return to America. I wish you 

would make yourself acquainted with him; 

and benefit him by your counsel occasionally 

in his pursuits and movements. He has been 

admitted to the practice of the law and appears 

to me to have excellent talents. I wish him 

414 



MADRID, APRIL 4th 1827 



to sit down resolutely & perseveringly to the 
profession; or whatever line of life he adopts 
to pursue it steadily, without changing or 
looking behind him. I had hoped at one time 
to have been of service in helping forward 
these rising connexions; but adverse circum- 
stances have defeated these as well as other 
plans; and I have nothing to console me but 
the recollection of good intentions which I 
have never been able to carry into effect. 

My Brother Peter desires to be most 
affectionately remembered to you. His con- 
stitution has been much broken within two 
years past, by an illness with which he was 
suddenly attacked at Paris; since which time 
his health is delicate and frequently subject 
to temporary ailments. I think, however, 
since we have been in Spain he has greatly 
recovered, though it is not likely he will ever 
again be as vigorous as he has been. 

Give my sincere regards to your wife, and 

my hearty remembrances to your father and 

415 



MADRID, APRIL 4th 1827 



mother and the whole family of the Renwicks. 
I rejoice in the various indications I perceive 
of the high standing of the professor. I hope 
yet to drink a cup of kindness with you all to 
the memory of Auld Lang Syne — in the mean 
time believe me my dear Brevoort truly and 
affectionately 

Yoiu" friend 
W. I. 
P.S. I have written much of this letter in an 
open and garrulous vein about my private 
feelings — I trust you will receive it with 
indulgence and shew it to no one. I never 
had any reserve with you and I write to you 
as I used to talk, without caring to disgmse 
any error or weakness. 



416 



MADRID, FEBRUARY 23d 1828 

{Excerpt from a letter, the manuscript of which 
is missing) 

Madrid, February 2j^ 1828. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT :— 

I have received two letters from you, the 
last dated December 19, and both full of the 
most interesting domestic intelligence. I feel 
under the greatest obligation to you for the 
kind interest you have taken in my History 
of Columbus. I find by the London papers 
it was to be published by Murray on the nth 
instant. ... If the work succeeds, it will be 
of immense service to me; if it fails it will be, 
most probably, what many have anticipated, 
who suppose, from my having dealt so much 
in fiction, it must be impossible for me to tell 
truth with plausibility. 

I am sorry to find by yotir letters that you 
have had your share of the rubs and cares of 
the times; I had hoped you were safe in port 
and out of the reach of storms and disasters; 
but so it is; we are none of us completely 

VOL. I. 27- 417 



MADRID, FEBRUARY 23d 1828 

sheltered from misfortune. If we do not put 
to sea, the sea overflows its bounds and 
drowns us on the land. For my own part, 
with all my exertions, I seem always to keep 
about up to my chin in troubled water, while 
the world, I suppose, thinks I am sailing 
smoothly with wind and tide in my favour. 



418 



SEVILLE, DECEMBER 20^^ 1828 
Seville, Dec. 20^A 1828. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

Time steals away in spite of me without 
my being able to write to you. The manu- 
scripts I have lately sent out to my brother 
must show you that I am busily occupied, 
and when I tell you that I have to make 
almost entire copies to send to England, and 
that I have a mass of other manuscripts in 
memoranda, rough drafts and half finished 
work, you will not be surprised that I find, 
when I take up the pen to write by an oppor- 
tunity that presents, both head and hand so 
weary that it is difficult to accomplish a letter. 

I thank you for your continual acts of 
friendship in counselling and aiding my brother 
in my literary concerns. Columbus has suc- 
ceeded beyond my expectations, and I am 
gratified by the success it has had in America. 
I have never seen the article that appeared 
in Walsh's Review, and in which you so kindly 

assisted. Here I see nothing of what is 

419 



SEVILLE, DECEMBER 20*11 1828 

published in any part of the world, for books 
are almost interdicted in Spain. I have just 
sent to my brother an abridgement of Colum- 
bus, to be published immediately, as I find 
some paltry fellow is pirating an abridgement. 
Thus every line of life is subject to depredation. 
"There be land rats and water rats, land 
pirates and water pirates — I mean thieves" 
as old Shylock says. I feel vexed at this 
shabby attempt to purloin this work from me, 
it having really cost me more toil and trouble 
than all my other productions and being one 
that I trusted would keep me current with my 
countrymen; but we are making rapid ad- 
vances in literature in America, and have 
already attained many of the literary vices 
and diseases of the old countries of Europe. 
We swarm with reviewers, though we have 
scarce original works sufficient for them to 
alight and prey upon, and we closely imitate 
all the worst tricks of the trade and of the 

craft in England. Our literature, before long, 

420 



SEVILLE, DECEMBER 20th 1828 

will be like some of those premature and 
aspiring whipsters, who become old men 
before they are young ones, and fancy they 
prove their manhood by their profligacy and 
their diseases. 

I am lingering here in Andalusia, waiting 
until the publication in England of the work 
on the Conquest of Granada, and occupying 
myself with researches in the old Cathedral 
library and the archives of the Indias. All 
the summer months have been passed by me 
in the country, first in a cottage about two 
miles from Seville and afterwards at a small 
country house near Port S'Mary. I had a 
very amiable and interesting companion in a 
yoimg English gentleman, a Mr. Hall, who 
was travelling for his health, having broken 
a blood vessel. We lived like hermits, but 
very pleasantly. He was intelligent, well 
bred and accomplished. His malady con- 
fined him almost entirely in the house. Some 

times he rode out a little and I accompanied 

421 



SEVILLE, DECEMBER 20th 1828 

him either on horseback or afoot — but the 
most of our time was passed at home, I writ- 
ing, he learning and studying Persian and 
Arabic. I left him at Port S' Mary's and 
came up here to provide a retreat for him 
for the winter but in the interval he died. 
Riding out one day his horse became restive 
and reared and fell with him. The shock 
brought on an access of his complaint and 
hurried him off in the course of a couple of 
days. I cannot tell you my dear Brevoort 
how mournful an event this has been to me. 
It is a long while since I have lived in such 
domestic intimacy with anyone but my 
brother. I first met with this young gentle- 
man at the house in Seville where I am now 
boarding and was insensibly interested in his 
precarious situation, and won by the amiable- 
ness and correctness of his manners. I could 
not have tho't that a mere stranger in so short 
a space of time could have taken such a hold 

upon my feelings. 

422 



SEVILLE, DECEMBER 20th 1828 

Do let me hear from you and give me a 
little news of my old friends. It is a long time 
since I have heard from Paulding. He owes 
me a letter, but I do not stand upon points 
of the kind. I have intended repeatedly to 
write to him, but when I have the disposition 
I have not the time and when I have the time 
I have not the disposition, for there are moods 
in which I find it impossible to scrawl the 
merest line of an epistle. 

What has become of Jack Nicholson? I 
presume I have been remiss in my correspon- 
dence with him since he no longer favours me 
with any of his epistles, though no man could 
value them more. What is Gouv Kemble 
doing — and Harry Ogden? How does Mrs. 
Renwick wear with the times, does she still 
keep up a cheerful countenance and a good 
heart? How does the worthy Professor, who 
is daily accumulating academic honors? In 
a word, let me hear a little of the little world 

of our ancient intimacy ; if it is not quite worn 

423 



SEVILLE, DECEMBER 20^^ 1828 

out and thrown aside by you. I fear I shall 
find it difficult on my return to tack a new 
course of intimacies and friendships to the tail 
of the old one. Such an interval has taken 
place that the two ends will hardly join 
together. 

I am interrupted and must conclude. Give 
my kindest regards to your wife, my sincere 
remembrance to your worthy parents and my 
good will to all others who care for me, and J 
believe me, my dear Brevoort, 

Ever your faithful and affectionate friend 
Washington Irving. 






424 



ALHAMBRA, MAY 23d 1829 

Alhambra, May 2j- i82g. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I have this morning received your most 
welcome letter of the 30th March which you 
forwarded to my brother Peter. You see 
I am still lingering in Spain, and I declare to 
you I feel so much interested by this noble 
country and noble people, that though I have 
from time to time made resolutions and pre- 
parations to leave them, I have as often post- 
poned my departure. By the date of my 
letter you will perceive I am royally quartered. 
I came to Granada about three weeks since 
to pass a little time here during the finest 
season of the year, in company with a young 
Russian Prince, the Secretary of the Russian 
Legation; and the Governor of the Alhambra, 
finding us poorly lodged in the town, gave us 
permission to take up our residence in a 
comer of the old Moorish palace which had 
been assigned to him for his quarters, but 

which he had not taken possession of. Here 

425 



ALHAMBRA, MAY 23d 1829 

then I am, nestled in one of the most remark- 
able, romantic and delicious spots in the 
world. I have the complete range and I may 
say control of the whole palace, for the only 
residents beside myself are a worthy old 
woman, her niece and nephew, who have 
charge of the building, and who make my 
bed, cook my meals, and are all kindness and 
devotion to me. I breakfast in the saloon 
of the ambassadors, or among the flowers and 
fountains in the Court of the Lions, and when 
I am not occupied with my pen, I lounge with 
my book about these oriental apartments or 
stroll about the courts and gardens and 
arcades, by day or night with no one to inter- 
rupt me. It absolutely appears to me like a 
dream; or as if I am spell bound in some fairy 
palace. 

The very evening of my removal to the 
Alhambra my nephew Edgar Irving, mid- 
shipman of the navy, made his sudden appear- 
ance here to my great gratification. He will 

426 



ALHAMBRA, MAY 23d 1829 

probably reach New York much about the 
same time with this letter, and will be able to 
give you some account of me. He remained 
with me about four days, and then I started 
him off to make a little tour through the 
mountains and to Cordova, Seville & Cadiz, 
and to embark for home at Gibraltar. I can- 
not tell you how gratifying it was for me to 
meet with one of my own flesh and blood after 
so long a separation. Had I been in a gayer 
place I should have been tempted to retain 
him longer; but I could not expect him to 
have the same fondness for a mere solitude 
that I have. The Prince took his departure 
the day preceding that of my nephew, and 
since they have both gone I have remained 
completely shut up within the walls of the old 
Palace. I think I shall be tempted to remain 
here for three or four weeks longer at least. 
I wish to enjoy the delights of this place during 
the hot weather, and to have a complete idea 

how those knowing Moors enjoyed themselves, 

427 



ALHAMBRA, MAY 23d 1829 

in their marble halls, cooled by fountains and 
running streams. 

' I thank you for the information you give 
me concerning the publication of my works. 
I am not sorry that the publication of the 
second edition of Columbus is retarded, as I 
may have to make a few alterations and 
corrections, in consequence of having just 
rec- Mr. Navarrete's third volume of docu- 
ments, containing some relative to Columbus. 
For the same reason I am willing the abridge- 
ment should be held back. If there is any 
particular reason, however, for hastening the 
publication of the latter, let it take place, as 
the corrections would not be very material. 

During my sojourn in the Alhambra I shall 
have leisure and quiet to look over my manu- 
scripts, and to get them in order so as to pre- 
sent some other work to the public before 
long. I shall also note down the corrections 
to be made in the History of Columbus. I 

mention these things to you because I consider 

428 



ALHAMBRA, MAY 23d 1829 

it the same as mentioning them to my brother 
E. I. and I doubt whether I shall have time 
to write to him by this post. 

Yoiir particulars concerning our ancient 
cronies are peculiarly gratifying to me. In- 
deed my dear fellow you cannot imagine how 
I dote on the remembrance of old friends and 
old times. I have laughed heartily at your 
account of that bulbous little worthy Jack 
Nicholson. Give my hearty remembrances 
to him and tell him I set as much store by 
him as ever, notwithstanding he does not 
write me any more letters. I am rejoiced 
to hear that Sam Swartwout has at length 
come uppermost in the political wheel, — what 
a whirligig world we live in ! — and then to have 
Harry Ogden for his faithful squire! I think 
it a pity fat Jack Falstaff had not lived in 
these piping times. I'll warrant he would 
have had the robbing of the exchequer. 

Your account of yourself is particularly 

encouraging — "that you might pass yourself 

429 



ALHAMBRA MAY 23! 1829 

off for a fresh bachelor of 35 ! " God bless us! 

Who knows but I may do the same — though 

I must confess I think I am beginning to wax 

old as doth a garment, and am, like Jack 

Nicholson, gradually increasing in the belt. 

However, I begin to grow hardened and 

shameless in the matter, and have for some 

time past given up all gallanting, and declared 

myself an absolute old Bachelor. 

You seem to be all masking mad in New 

York. I am afraid our good city is in a bad 

way as to both morals and manners. What 

the cities of the old world take moderately 

and cautiously she gets roaring drunk with. 

I must say all this rioting and dancing at the 

theatres with public masquerades every night 

in the week has a terribly low lived, dissolute, 

vulgar look. We are too apt to take our ideas 

of English high life from such vulgar sources 

as Tom & Jerry and we appear to be Tom and 

Jerrying it to perfection in New York. 

Give my kindest remembrances to your 
430 



ALHAMBRA, MAY 23'i 1829 

good parents and to all the Renwick family. 
It gives me sincere delight to hear that Mrs. 
Renwick enjoys such good health and good 
spirits. My dear Brevoort the happiest day 
of my life will be when I once more find myself 
among you all. We will then talk over old 
times, and vaunt as much of our old feats and 
old frolicks as did ever Master Shallow and fat 
Jack. I have got so entangled however in 
literary undertakings here in Europe that I 
cannot break away without interrupting all 
my schemes, and sacrificing profits which a 
little time, patience, and perseverance will 
enable me to realize and which I trust will 
secure a moderate independence for the re- 
mainder of my existence. This alone keeps 
me from immediately returning. My dearest 
affections are entirely centered in my country. 
Your affectionate friend 
Washington Irving. 



431 



VALENCIA, AUGUST loili 1829 

Valencia, Aug. 10- i82g. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT : — 

I had intended writing to you from the 
Alhambra, but the time for my departure 
arrived before I had half finished with my 
correspondents. I cannot express to you 
how sensibly I feel the interest you have taken 
in my late appointment; I am gratified that 
my brothers consulted you concerning it, as I 
know you to consider my affairs both with 
brotherly feeling and with knowledge of the 
world. As it appeared to be the general wish 
of my friends that I should accept this ap- 
pointment I have done so; but I can assure 
you when I took my last look at the Alhambra 
from the mountain road of Granada, I felt 
like a sailor who has just left a tranquil port 
to launch upon a stormy and treacherous sea. 
I shall give the experiment a trial; but I do 
not think I am fitted for public life ; and doubt 
whether I should not serve my country, my 

friends and myself better by continuing on in 

432 



VALENCIA, AUGUST lotJi 1829 

the tranquil and retired career of literature. 
Perhaps I may be able to combine both — we 
shall see. I have been infinitely amused with 
the source from whence this tide of honour 
and employment has suddenly flowed upon me : 
the patronage of little Jack Nicholson. How 
whimsically the affairs of this world are in- 
fluenced. I declare to you that the oddity of 
the circumstance had some effect in putting me 
in good humour with the appointment. I felt 
quite tickled with the idea of having the honest 
little tar for a political patron. I have reason 
to believe, however, that my old chum Pauld- 
ing who was at Washington at the time had a 
main hand in promoting the appointment. 

I left the Alhambra on the 29th July, after 
having passed between two and three months 
there in a kind of Oriental dream. Never 
shall I meet on earth with an abode so much 
to my taste, or so suited to my habits and pur- 
suits. The sole fault was that the softness 
of the climate, the silence and serenity of the 



VOL. I. — 2t 



433 



VALENCIA, AUGUST io«i 1829 

place, the odour of flowers and the murmur 
of fountains had a soothing and voluptuous 
effect that at times almost incapacitated me 
for work, and made me feel like the Knight 
of Industry, when so pleasingly enthralled in 
the Castle of Indolence. 

I set out from Granada on my long journey 
for England in company with a young English- 
man of one of the first families of Staffordshire, 
Mr. Ralph Sneyd. He is an Oxonian, and 
well bred, intelligent, and amiable. We have 
made our journey to this place in a kind of 
covered cart called a Tartana drawn by a 
mule. In this we put two mattresses, on 
which we lolled as we were trundled along the 
mountain roads at the average of about twenty 
eight miles a day. The heat of the weather 
at this season of the year made it inadvisable 
to travel on horseback; and as it was we were 
obliged to be there several hours during the 
heat of the day and travel very early in the 

mornings and in the evenings. We have 

434 



VALENCIA, AUGUST loil} 1829 

traversed the Ancient Kingdom of Murcia: 
have touched at Alicante and passed over a 
part of the rich plain of Valencia. In our 
route we bordered along the country lately 
desolated by earthquakes, where the earth is 
still in a feverish state, and saw traces of the 
effects of the recent convulsions in the walls 
of the churches, convents & houses. Though 
the towns through which we passed were not 
those which had most suffered, yet we found 
many of their inhabitants still living in huts 
of reeds and clay slightly put together so as to 
yield to any agitation of the earth. We 
heard one still morning the rumbling of an 
earthquake but were not sensible of any move- 
ment of the earth. We have since heard that 
it was more violent in another part of the 
country. Our route has led us through many 
very wild and picturesque scenes & many 
delicious valleys, but the general character 
of the Spanish scenery is stern, mountainous 

and arid; partaking more of a melancholy 

435 



/ 



VALENCIA, AUGUST lo^ 1829 

sublimity than of luxuriance or beauty. We 

have been through some of the tracts, also, 

most noted for robbers but have escaped 

without being obliged to pay toll, though for 

the greater part of the way we had no other 

escort but a long legged Portuguese with a 

musket, who acted as our servant along the 

road. Travelling through the greater part of 

Spain is pretty much the same as it was in the 

days of Don Quixote. The posadas and 

ventas have seldom any thing to give you; 

you must either bring your provisions with 

you or forage for them through the village. 

Our beds at night were the mattresses we 

brought in the cart, which were spread on the 

floor and we laid on them in our clothes. The 

mattresses of the Inns, where they do possess 

such conveniences, are not to be trusted at this 

season of the year. 

We have now arrived at the Diligence road 

and shall henceforth travel more rapidly. 

Tomorrow evening we start in the Diligence 

436 



VALENCIA, AUGUST lo^h 1829 

for Barcelona, and in the course of a few days 
I hope to cross the Pyrenees and find myself 
in the gay country of France. I assure you, 
however, I shall leave Spain with feelings of 
great regret. A residence of between three 
and four years in it has reconciled me to many 
of its inconveniences and defects, and I have 
learned more and more to like both the country 
and the people. 

Barcelona, Aug. 14. We arrived here early 
this morning — after a most interesting journey 
through the populous, industrious and beauti- 
ful province of Catalonia; which is totally 
distinct in its characteristics from the other 
parts of Spain. We wait here three or four 
days for our Trunks, which we forwarded from 
Granada by the Corsarios, or company of 
armed Muleteers, for more security from 
robbers. When we receive these we shall 
resume our route and in the course of a couple 

of days cross the frontiers. 

437 



VALENCIA, AUGUST lo^h 1829 

London. Oct. 6th. I have had no time to 
continue this letter. My journey from Barce- 
lona to Paris was a tremendous fag: day and 
night for nine days without going to bed. I 
found Peter at Paris in fine health & spirits. 
He has not looked, or been so hearty & merry 
for years. I staid in Paris a little more than 
a fortnight: when hearing that the Frigate 
had arrived at Portsmouth with Mr. McLane 
I set off to meet him at London. I am per- 
fectly delighted with him, and doubt not we 
shall live most happily together. As yet we 
are unsettled: he has been ill, and is yet at a 
hotel : but I trust in the course of another week 
he will be comfortably fixed in his own house 
and I in lodgings close by him. When I have 
more leisure I will write to you again, in the 
mean time believe me as ever my dear 
Brevoort 

Most affectionately yours 

Washington Irving. 



438 



LONDON, MAY 3i?-t 1830 



London, May ji- i8jo. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I look forward, with the greatest delight to 
the prospect of our once more meeting and 
should have endeavoured to be at Havre to 
greet you on your landing on this side of the 
Atlantic, but I am so trammelled by official 
and other duties that I find it impossible to 
leave England. Do let me hear from you, 
and tell me your plans, and whether it is 
probable you will soon pay London a visit. 
Peter is with me and in excellent health & 
spirits, and will be rejoiced to take you once 
more by the hand. I am writing this in 
excessive haste to send it by a gentleman 
about to set off for Havre where I hope he 
will deliver it into your own hands. In such 
case I would recommend him to your acquaint- 
ance and esteem, as a man of great worth & 
respectability. The bearer is Dr. de Butts 
professor of chemistry at the University of 
Maryland. It is probable, however, that 

439 



LONDON, MAY 3i§t 1830 



you are already acquainted with him or at 
least know him by reputation. 

With kindest regards to Mrs. Brevoort, 
I am my dear Brevoort 

Most affectionately yours 
Washington Irving. 



440 



LONDON, MARCH 3iLt 1831 

London, March ji- i8ji. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I will not pretend to apologize to you for 
not having written to you for so long a time. 
I am weary of apologizing on this head and 
by this time my friends must know the nature 
of my life in this tremendous Babel, which 
leaves me no leisure or quiet. As long as I 
remain in London I shall be worth nothing 
either to my friends or to myself & this I 
foresaw & foretold when I was advised to come 
here. However, this like all things else will 
have its end. I have heard from various 
quarters of your being very ill, and at length 
a letter from Jack Nicholson gave me an 
intimation of what I had hoped & surmised, 
that you had in fact submitted to the operation 
of which you spoke when in London. I am 
heartily rejoiced to hear it, and congratulate 
you with all my soul at having passed through 
the ordeal. I trust it will have a cheering 

effect upon your whole existence; for that is 

441 



LONDON, MARCH 31?-^ 1831 

but a dismal kind of life, that has a threatening 
cloud of malady always lowering on the hori- 
zon. Do drop me a line and tell me how you 
find yourself in health & how your spirits are 
affected by this relief from an old foe. 

I am just recovering from a four days fit of 
illness — rather a long spell for my regular 
constitution. I believe it was brought on 
more by the excitement & the hurry & harass- 
ing life I lead here in this time of political, 
literary and fashionable tumult, than by 
anything else. The misfortune with me is 
that I embark in it with ill will, and worry 
myself by trying to stem the current, which 
after all, bears me away in spite of every 
exertion. 

I am looking daily for Jack Nicholson, who 
will no doubt come charged to the very muzzle 
with all kinds of revolutions, conspiracies, 
brawls, & battles, having taken all the bel- 
ligerent towns of Belgium and Holland in his 

route. I expect to see him rounder and more 

442 



LONDON, MARCH 31?^ 1831 

robustuous than ever, having all the affairs 
of the world under his belt. What Jack will 
have to relate when he returns to New York! 
I think, like the Innkeeper in Rabelais, he 
ought to invite all the Quidnuncs of Wall 
Street to a general meeting to see him 
burst. 

We are in the beginning of an eventful 
week. This evening will determine the fate 
of the present cabinet, which is in a tottering 
condition, & we are looking daily for decisive 
news from Paris. We must have tidings of 
moment, too, from Poland though I fear we 
shall have dismal news from that quarter. 
However, the great cause of all the world will 
go on. What a stirring moment it is to live in. 
I never took such intense interest in news- 
papers. It seems to me as if life were breaking 
out anew with me, or that I were entering 
upon quite a new and almost unknown career 
of existence, and I rejoice to find my sensibili- 
ties, which were waning as to many objects 

443 



LONDON, MARCH 31^^ 1831 

of past interest, reviving with all their fresh- 
ness and vivacity at the schemes and prospects 
opening around me. I trust, my dear Brevoort, 
we shall both be spared to see a great part of 
this grand though terrible drama that is about 
to be acted. There will doubtless be scenes 
of horror & suffering, but what splendid 
tritimphs must take place over these vile 
systems of falsehood in every relation of 
human affairs, that have been woven on the 
human mind & for so long a time have held it 
down in despicable thraldom. 

Do, when you have leisure, as leisure you 
surely must have in abundance, write me a 
line and do not stand upon the ceremony of 
my answering you regularly. If you could 
but know how I am cut up to very bits in my 
time and how totally I am destitute of leisure 
you would not stand upon any ceremony of 
the kind with me. 

I received your letter by Mr. the gentle- 
man who brought the pack some time since. 

444 



LONDON, MARCH 311^ 1831 

There was a long letter too from the authoress 

which it was quite out of my power to answer. 

I left the poem with Murray, on my going out 

of town, saying everything I could in its 

praise. He wrote me word that he had 

declined publishing it, as he did not think it 

calculated to advance either the author's 

interests or reputation. I am continually 

applied to by writers to help their works into 

the press — but there is no person less able to do 

so than I. My only acquaintance among the 

publishers is Murray, who is the most difficult 

being on earth to please — as to the other 

publishers, such as Colburn & Bentley, they 

are rather hostile to me than otherwise, — 

because, I have repeatedly declined their 

overtures and offers of higher prices if I would 

desert Murray, etc. 

I enclose you a letter from the post office at 

Paris left at my lodgings a few days since & 

which must relate to some letter of y urs. 

Give my kind remembrances to Mrs. Bre- 
445 



LONDON, MARCH 3iLt 1831 

voort, Mr. Cannon, my little friends Laurie 
and Meta, etc. & believe me, my dear Brevoort, 

Ever yours 
W. Irving. 
Let me have your address at Paris accu- 
rately. 



446 



LONDON, JULY 5th 1831 



London J July 5- i8;^i. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT : — 

I have barely time to acknowledge the 
receipt of your letter of the 30th ult. which 
gives me the satisfactory intelligence of your 
safe return. You have made a most interest- 
ing tour and must have heaped in matter for 
after reflection, through eyes and ears. I 
shall feel right glad to see you again in England. 
Peter is with me & will remain with me until 
I am relieved from my present post, which 
I pray God may be as soon as possible ; having 
but little ambition for official honour and a 
rooted aversion for all official responsibility, 
official ceremonials and diplomatic & court 
humbug. I am just recovering from a severe 
attack of the grippe, which has been as preva- 
lent here as in Paris. Peter is likewise gradu- 
ally extricating himself from its clutches. 

Mr. Van Buren is spoken of as successor to 
Mr. M'Lane; though it is uncertain as yet 
whether he will accept. At all events he will 

447 



LONDON, JULY s^Ji 1831 



wait until Mr. M' Lane's return. I hope he 
will accept, as I shall then in all probability 
be relieved in the course of September. 

Mr. M'Lane has not absolutely accepted 
the situation offered him in the cabinet ; though 
I have little doubt he will do so. He will be 
a tower of strength to the cabinet & an invalu- 
able man for the nation. I have never known 
a man of higher & purer principles — and they 
are combined with admirable talents for 
public life. His departure is deeply regretted 
here by the first statesmen of both parties; 
and he leaves a name behind him that will not 
readily be forgotten. 

The article in the Quarterly on Moore's 
Byron was written by Lockhart. 

My brother Peter desires to be most affec- 
tionately remembered to you all. 

Ever my dear Brevoort 

Yours truly 
W. L 



448 



LONDON, NOVEMBER 2^ 1831 

London, Nov. 2- i8jj. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I send you several letters received since your 
departure, by which it appears that Mrs. 
Brevoort expected you to remain some time 
longer in London. What a pity you dis- 
appointed her. Had you remained a day or 
two longer you might have seen the King 
and partaken of a roast goose which I had for 
dinner yesterday, and the savour of which 
alarmed the whole neighborhood. 

Yoiirs 
W. L 

I have seen Han Powell and his wife. She 
has weathered the years that have elapsed 
since I saw her surpassingly well and is still a 
very handsome woman. Powell looks well, 
but hard and rather grey. I think marriage 
has improved him. 



449 



IRVINGTON-ON-HUDSON, 1838 

MY DEAR provost: — 

I go Up to Gouv Kemble's this afternoon in 
the Ohio — and take my niece Miss Paris with 
me — ^to pass a few days. Cannot you put 
up a shirt in a pocket handkerchief & go with 
us? William Kemble likewise goes up. 

If you cannot get ready for this afternoon 
(5 o'clock) come up tomorrow. — We will visit 
Mrs. De Rham at her new establishment in 
the Highlands — ^look up Uncle Sam's quarters 

and play the very 

Yours ever 
W.I. 



450 



PARIS, JULY lit 1842 



Paris, July i- 1842. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I have barely time to scribble a few lines 
in the office of the Legation here, in reply to 
your letter by Carson. I am delighted to 
have him with me and shall endeavor to do 
all that you wish respecting him. My heart 
warms toward him not merely on his own ac- 
coimt, but also on your own. He seems like 
a new link in our old friendship which com- 
menced when we were both about his age or 
even younger; and which I have always felt 
as something almost fraternal. Hamilton I 
perceive has already taken a strong attach- 
ment to him. The other member of my diplo- 
matic family, Hector Ames, is an excellent 
little fellow; quiet modest, yet manly and 
intelligent. I think they will all agree well 
together and form a very pleasant etat major. 

As they require some little time to fit them- 
selves out I shall linger some eight or ten days 

longer at Paris; but I am anxious to get to 

451 



PARIS, JULY iLt 1842 



my post, and relieve my predecessor Mr. Vail, 
who wishes to get to the mountains with his 
family, for the health of his children. I am 
desirous also of forming my establishment and 
feeling myself once more settled. The im- 
settled life I have led for some months past 
begins to be extremely irksome. I have 
enough to do to bother me, yet no settled 
occupation to interest me. My mind is per- 
plexed by arrangements for my domestic estab- 
lishment, and solicitude about my new career, 
any* with all this I am harrassed by the claims 
of Society, which, with all my exertions, I 
cannot fight off. Paris & London are terrible 
places for these kinds of claims, which cut up 
ones time, disturb ones quiet, and render life 
a continual round of empty toils. I am 
amused with the solicitude of our friend Thorn 
on my account who thinks I am turning my 
back upon fortune, and ruining my prospects 
in life by neglecting to follow up the f riend- 

*and. 

452 



PARIS, JULY i!t 1842 



ships prof erred me in saloons. He could 
restrain his feelings no longer a few evenings 
since, at an evening party where the Duchess 
of Grammont had sought an acquaintance 
with me and held me for some time in very 
amiable conversation. On leaving her Thorn 
took me aside and implored me leave a card the 
next day for the Duchess and at the same time 
read me a most aCectionate lecture on my 
neglect on this piece of etiquette v/ith respect 
to various other persons of rank. He at- 
tributes all this to my excessive modesty: 
not dreaming that the empty intercourse of 
saloons with people of rank and fashion could 
be a bore to one who has run the rounds of 
society for the greater part of half a century 
and who likes to consult his own humours and 
pursuits. 

I shall endeavor, when fixed at Madrid, to 
strike out some line of literary research and 
occupation for Carson according to your wish. 

In the mean time he will be seeing continually 

453 



PARIS, JULY lit 1842 



new places, new people, and new customs and 
usages — at least new to him. 

At a moment of more leisure I will write to 
you more fiilly — Remember me most kindly 
to Mrs. Brevoort and the young folks. 
Yours ever my dear Brevoort 

Washington Irving 



454 



BORDEAUX, NOVEMBER 26«i 1843 
Bordeaux, Nov. 26^h 184J. 

MY DEAR BREVOORT: — 

I received your most kind and welcome 

letter some short time before leaving Paris, 

and should have answered it immediately, 

but I was in one of those moods when my mind 

has no power over my pen. Indeed I have 

long owed you a letter and have intended to 

write to you; but correspondents multiplied 

fearfully upon me, and my pen was tasked 

diplomatically and otherwise, on my arrival 

at Madrid to such a degree as to fag me out, 

and to produce the malady which has harassed 

me for nearly a year past. I am now on my 

way back to my post after between two and 

three months absence. I set out in pursuit 

of health and thought a little travelling and a 

change of air would "make me my own man'* 

again; but I was laid by the heels at Paris by 

a recurrence of my malady, and have just 

escaped out of the Doctor's hands sufficiently 

recovered to get back to my post; where I 

455 



BORDEAUX, NOVEMBER 26th 1843 

hope, by care and medical treatment to effect 
my cure. 

This indisposition has been a sad check upon 
all my plans. I had hoped, by zealous employ- 
ment of all the leisure afforded me at Madrid, 
to accomplish one or two literary tasks which 
I had in hand; and thereby to encrease my 
pecuniary means so as to enable myself by 
and bye to return home and live in quiet in 
the bosom of my family. A year, however, 
has now been completely lost to me; and a 
precious year at my time of life. The Life of 
Washington, and indeed all my literary tasks 
have remained suspended; and my pen has 
remained idle; excepting now and then in 
writing a despatch to Government or scrawling 
a letter to my family. In the meantime the 
income which I used to derive from farming 
out my writings has died away; my monied 
investments yielded scarce any interest; and 
I really do not know what would have become 

of me and of those dependent upon me, if 

456 



BORDEAUX, NOVEMBER 26th 1843 

Uncle Sam had not in a critical juncture taken 
me under his wing and made me a diplomatist ! 
However, thank God, my health and with it 
my capacity for working are returning. I 
shall soon again have pen in hand and hope 
to get two or three good years of literary 
labour out of myself. Times are improving 
in America, and with them may improve the 
landed property which I hold. I may again 
find some bookseller to take a lease of my 
published works; and thus, by hook and by 
crook, may be enabled to return home and 
spend some few years with my kindred and 
friends before I die. 

Carson will give you an account of diplo- 
matic and household affairs at Madrid. T was 
extremely sorry to part with him, but I could 
not advise him to stay, where there was no 
career nor regular pursuit opening to him. I 
found him all that you represented him. Pure, 
amiable, intelligent, variously informed and 

accomplished, and of the strictest principles. 

457 



BORDEAUX, NOVEMBER 26^^ 1843 

He is a youth whom it is impossible to live 
with intimately and not become attached to. 
His only defects are want of energy and 
perseverance, and a too great diffidence of 
himself. These prevent his undertaking great 
things, or following out his enterprises when 
undertaken. He has been highly esteemed 
by such persons here as became acquainted 
with him — among them some men of science. 
Indeed wherever he gives himself a chance of 
being known he will be appreciated ; and when 
once he has gained a friend he will never lose 
him. 

I do not know whether you speak in jest or 
earnest about the popular view of my conduct 
on the occasion of the diplomatic intervention 
for the safety of the little Queen during the 
late siege of Madrid. My conduct was dic- 
tated at the time by honest and spontaneous 
impulse, without reference to policy or politics. 
I felt deeply for the situation of the Queen and 

her sister and was anxious that their persons 

458 



BORDEAUX, NOVEMBER 26th 1843 

should be secured from the civil brawls and 
fightings which threatened to distract the city 
and invade the very courts of the royal palace. 
In all my diplomacy I have depended more 
upon good intentions and frank and open con- 
duct than upon any subtle management. I 
have an opinion that the old maxim ''Honesty 
is the best policy'' holds good in diplomacy! 

Thus far I have got on well with my brother 
diplomatists ; and have met with very respect- 
ful treatment from the Spanish Government 
in all its changes and fluctuations. I have 
endeavored punctually to perform the duties 
of my office and to execute the instructions of 
Government and I believe that the archives 
of the Legation will testify that the business 
of the mission has never been neglected. I 
have not suffered illness to prevent me from 
keeping every thing in train; and indeed my 
recovery has been retarded by remaining at 
my post during the revolutionary scenes of 
last summer, though urged by my physicians 

459 



BORDEAUX, NOVEMBER 26^ 1843 

to spend the hot months at the watering places 
in the mountains. I do not pretend to any- 
great skill as a diplomatist; but in whatever 
situation I am placed in life, when I doubt my 
skill I endeavour to make up for it by con- 
scientious assiduity. 

While I was in Paris in driving out one day 
with my niece in the Champs Ely sees, we 
nearly ran over my old friend Rogers. We 
stopped and took him in. He was on one of 
his yearly epicurean visits to Paris to enjoy 
the Italian opera and other refined sources 
of pleasure. The hand of age begins to bow 
him down, but his intellect is clear as ever, 
and his talents and taste for society in full 
vigor. He breakfasted with us several times 
and I have never known him more delightful. 
He would sit for two or three hours constantly 
conversing and giving anecdotes of all the 
conspicuous persons who had figured within 
the last sixty years ; with most of whom he has 

been on terms of intimacy. He has refined 

460 



BORDEAUX, NOVEMBER 26th 1843 

upon the art of telling a story until he has 
brought it to the most perfect simplicity, 
where there is not a word too much or a word 
too little ; and where every word has its effect. 
His manner too is the most quiet, natural 
and unpretending that can be imagined. I 
was very much amused by an anecdote he 
gave us of little Queen Victoria and her 
nautical vagaries. Lord Aberdeen has had 
to attend her in her cruisings very much 
against his will; or, at least, against his stom- 
ach. You know he is one of the gravest 
and most laconic men in the world. The 
Queen one day undertook to reconcile him to 
his fate. "I believe my lord" said she gra- 
ciously * * you are not often sea sick. " "A Iways 
madam" was the grave reply. "But" — still 
more graciously, "Not very sea sick." 
With profounder gravity— " VERY Madam!" 
Lord Aberdeen declares that if her Majesty 
persists in her cruisings he will have to resign. 

I rejoice to hear of Mrs. Brevoort's improved 
461 



BORDEAUX, NOVEMBER 26«1 1843 

health and think you are right, should you 
find the sea coast of Long Island favorable 
to the health of your family, to set up a re- 
treat there. You might build a very pleasant 
summer lodge at a cheap rate; and I can say 
from experience that a man has ten-fold more 
enjoyment from any rural retreat that belongs 
to himself than from any that he hires as 
temporary sojotirn. 

Give my kind remembrances to Mrs. Bre- 
voort and to all the young folks, and believe 
me my dear Brevoort 

ever most affectionately yours 

Washington Irving. 



462 



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